Advocacy on behalf of local government on climate change related issues is a key function of the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances. Scroll to the bottom of this page for the Alliances' submissions in 2024 to date. Our submissions from last year are listed here and older submissions here.
Victorian Greenhouse Alliances’ Advocacy Positions
This document is designed to build a shared understanding and commitment amongst members of the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances on the scope of advocacy issues and activities to be undertaken between July 2023 and June 2024. It also defines the Alliances’ external engagement agenda on policy and strategic issues and sets out aims, principles, mechanisms and authorisation processes.
You can download the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances’ Advocacy Positions for 2023-24 here.
Advocacy Outcomes
Planning for a Safe Climate
As part of advocacy to improve the response of the state planning system to climate change, the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances commissioned a research report in 2021 on the current state of the system. This report by Hansen Partnership, details much needed areas for improvement in the current planning system, and the Alliances with CASBE are pushing for changes to the system to tackle climate change. Find out more here.
In the lead up to the 2022 Victorian state election, CASBE and the Alliances engaged with candidates and Members of Parliament seeking commitments to the campaign’s key asks. Through this process, we secured over 20 meetings with MPs before releasing a Report Card assessing the position of each political party against our campaign asks. We also collaborated with crossbench MPs who raised our campaign in Parliament. The campaign assisted in elevating planning reform on the state agenda ahead of the election.
Fuel Efficiency Standards
In May 2023, the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances responded to a federal government consultation paper on the introduction of a fuel efficiency standard (FES) in Australia. The Alliances provided key recommendations in their response to the FES consultation paper, aimed at facilitating the transition to a zero-emissions transport sector.
In February 2024, the Albanese government announced its intention to introduce legislation for what it refers to as the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) by January 2025. This legislation would require automakers to meet increasingly stringent carbon emissions limits each year or face penalties.
The government released a consultation paper alongside this announcement, outlining its preferred approach to the NVES. Motor industry experts have indicated that, under this scenario, all new cars would be required to be zero emission vehicles by 2035. This aligns with one of the key recommendations made by the Alliances in their submission. This move would bring Australia in line with EU regulations, another recommendation put forth by the Alliances.
2024 Submissions
First Nations Clean Energy Strategy Consultation (February 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances responded to the federal government’s First Nations Clean Energy Strategy Consultation Paper, emphasising the importance of First Nations leadership and collaboration in the clean energy transition. They support the draft principles and goals outlined in the Strategy, recommending a multi-level governance approach to ensure equitable access to clean energy. The submission highlighted the need for increased funding, capacity building, and engagement with First Nations organisations to support their active participation in the transition.
Alliances Submission First Nations Clean Energy Strategy (PDF, 165KB)