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.
2024 Submissions
Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap (July 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances (VGAs) responded to the Commonwealth’s Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap with several recommendations. They urge the government to adopt science-based targets aligned with limiting warming to 1.5°C and establish a multilevel governance model for climate policy. The Alliances stress the importance of supporting local councils in promoting active transport modes and committing to zero emissions targets for new cars and heavy vehicles. They also call for the acceleration of electrifying the rail network and the implementation of Ultra-Low Emissions Zones (ULEZ) and Low Emissions Zones.
VGA response to the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap (PDF 82KB)
Minimum Energy Efficiency and Safety Standards for Rental Properties and Rooming Houses Consultation (July 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances responded to the Victorian Government’s consultation on the Minimum Energy Efficiency and Safety Standards for Rental Properties and Rooming Houses. They commended the proposed reforms for improving rental building stock, supporting renters in the energy transition, addressing market failures, and reducing household operating costs. The Alliances emphasised the need for fast-tracking the introduction of minimum standards, enhanced regulation on rental increases, and proper enforcement of compliance to protect the rights of lower income tenants. They also recommend additional measures such as top-up insulation, low-cost ventilation improvements, performance-based standards tied to mandatory disclosure, and phasing out gas stoves in favour of induction cooktops for health benefits and decarbonisation.
VGA submission to Minimum Energy Efficiency and Safety Standards for Rental Properties and Rooming Houses Consultation (PDF 60KB)
Victorian Inquiry into Climate Resilience (June 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances provided several recommendations in a submission to the Victorian Inquiry into Climate Resilience. The Alliances suggested advocating for increased federal funding for local projects, developing a funding program for asset risk assessments, and adopting betterment as an eligible expense. They emphasized supporting programs like the Victorian Climate Resilient Councils Program and expanding the Adaptive Community Assets project. Other recommendations included implementing climate change planning recommendations, capturing benefits of green infrastructure, improving the CERA process, investing in climate resilience in community facilities, and establishing a multilevel governance approach to climate adaptation.
VGA submission to Victorian Inquiry into Climate Resilience (PDF 209KB)
Victorian Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services (June 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances submitted to the Victorian Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services, highlighting the effects of cost shifting from higher levels of government to local councils and the sustainability of the existing revenue structure. Recommendations included establishing a multilevel governance approach to climate adaptation and advocating for direct financial support to enable councils to transition and support their communities in adapting to climate change. The submission suggests an example of this would be a dedicated funding program to support local governments in assessing and improving their assets in relation to future climate projections and risk modelling.
VGA submission to Victorian Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services (PDF 145KB)
Federal Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability (May 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances submitted a response to the federal inquiry into local government sustainability, highlighting financial challenges and changing responsibilities in the face of climate change. The submission emphasised that local governments play a critical role in climate adaptation, but limited resources and increasing damages to council-owned assets hinder their efforts. Direct financial support is needed to address climate change effectively. The Alliances call for a multi-level governance approach to ensure the sustainability of local governments and their communities in the face of climate change.
VGA Submission to Federal Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability (PDF 136KB)
Climate Change Authority’s Consultation on 2024 Issues Paper (May 2024)
In their response to the Climate Change Authority’s 2024 Issues Paper – Targets, Pathways and Progress, the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances recommended adopting science-based targets aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and transitioning to zero emissions or below across all sectors. They called for a multilevel governance model to strengthen collaboration in setting climate policy and allocating resources. Additionally, the Alliances emphasised the importance of recognising the additionality of emission reductions from voluntary action, as the current policy framework in Australia falls short in this regard.
VGA Submission to CCA’s Consultation on 2024 Issues Paper (PDF 62KB)
MAV and VGA Submission to the National Adaptation Plan Issues Paper (April 2024)
The Municipal Association of Victoria and the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances jointly submitted their response to the federal government’s National Adaptation Plan issues paper. Based on the experience of the local government sector, they emphasised the importance of a cohesive and collaborative approach to climate adaptation through multilevel governance. The joint submission recommended increased direct financial support to enable all councils to accelerate local-level adaptation efforts. Additionally, it urged support for embedding adaptation through a whole-of-organisation approach, acquiring up-to-date climate risk data, clarifying financial disclosure requirements, and ensuring betterment principles were followed to enhance the resilience of assets. Finally, the organisations called for the incorporation of future climate scenarios and acceleration of adaptation through national levers such as construction policies and building codes.
MAV and VGA Submission to the National Adaptation Plan Issues Paper (PDF, 229KB)
Federal Inquiry into the Transition to Electric Vehicles (March 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances’ March 2024 submission to the federal inquiry on the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) provided several recommendations. The Alliances suggested adjusting truck regulations and road-user charges to incentivise a diverse supply of efficient, affordable, and second-hand EVs. The submission also emphasised addressing residential charging barriers, improving visibility of network capacity, implementing national standards of service delivery, developing an EV Battery Recycling Program, and introducing low and zero-emissions zones in city sectors. These recommendations aim to promote equitable access to EVs, accelerate charging infrastructure deployment, and ensure sustainable transportation practices.
VGA Submission Inquiry into the Transition to Electric Vehicles (PDF, 121KB)
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.
VGA Submission First Nations Clean Energy Strategy (PDF, 165KB)
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.
The March 2024 amendments to Victoria's Planning and Environment Act were a direct result of our campaign. As a result, planning authorities will need to explicitly consider greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and climate resilience in day-to-day planning processes.
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.
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.
2024 Submissions
Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap (July 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances (VGAs) responded to the Commonwealth’s Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap with several recommendations. They urge the government to adopt science-based targets aligned with limiting warming to 1.5°C and establish a multilevel governance model for climate policy. The Alliances stress the importance of supporting local councils in promoting active transport modes and committing to zero emissions targets for new cars and heavy vehicles. They also call for the acceleration of electrifying the rail network and the implementation of Ultra-Low Emissions Zones (ULEZ) and Low Emissions Zones.
VGA response to the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap (PDF 82KB)
Minimum Energy Efficiency and Safety Standards for Rental Properties and Rooming Houses Consultation (July 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances responded to the Victorian Government’s consultation on the Minimum Energy Efficiency and Safety Standards for Rental Properties and Rooming Houses. They commended the proposed reforms for improving rental building stock, supporting renters in the energy transition, addressing market failures, and reducing household operating costs. The Alliances emphasised the need for fast-tracking the introduction of minimum standards, enhanced regulation on rental increases, and proper enforcement of compliance to protect the rights of lower income tenants. They also recommend additional measures such as top-up insulation, low-cost ventilation improvements, performance-based standards tied to mandatory disclosure, and phasing out gas stoves in favour of induction cooktops for health benefits and decarbonisation.
VGA submission to Minimum Energy Efficiency and Safety Standards for Rental Properties and Rooming Houses Consultation (PDF 60KB)
Victorian Inquiry into Climate Resilience (June 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances provided several recommendations in a submission to the Victorian Inquiry into Climate Resilience. The Alliances suggested advocating for increased federal funding for local projects, developing a funding program for asset risk assessments, and adopting betterment as an eligible expense. They emphasized supporting programs like the Victorian Climate Resilient Councils Program and expanding the Adaptive Community Assets project. Other recommendations included implementing climate change planning recommendations, capturing benefits of green infrastructure, improving the CERA process, investing in climate resilience in community facilities, and establishing a multilevel governance approach to climate adaptation.
VGA submission to Victorian Inquiry into Climate Resilience (PDF 209KB)
Victorian Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services (June 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances submitted to the Victorian Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services, highlighting the effects of cost shifting from higher levels of government to local councils and the sustainability of the existing revenue structure. Recommendations included establishing a multilevel governance approach to climate adaptation and advocating for direct financial support to enable councils to transition and support their communities in adapting to climate change. The submission suggests an example of this would be a dedicated funding program to support local governments in assessing and improving their assets in relation to future climate projections and risk modelling.
VGA submission to Victorian Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services (PDF 145KB)
Federal Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability (May 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances submitted a response to the federal inquiry into local government sustainability, highlighting financial challenges and changing responsibilities in the face of climate change. The submission emphasised that local governments play a critical role in climate adaptation, but limited resources and increasing damages to council-owned assets hinder their efforts. Direct financial support is needed to address climate change effectively. The Alliances call for a multi-level governance approach to ensure the sustainability of local governments and their communities in the face of climate change.
VGA Submission to Federal Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability (PDF 136KB)
Climate Change Authority’s Consultation on 2024 Issues Paper (May 2024)
In their response to the Climate Change Authority’s 2024 Issues Paper – Targets, Pathways and Progress, the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances recommended adopting science-based targets aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and transitioning to zero emissions or below across all sectors. They called for a multilevel governance model to strengthen collaboration in setting climate policy and allocating resources. Additionally, the Alliances emphasised the importance of recognising the additionality of emission reductions from voluntary action, as the current policy framework in Australia falls short in this regard.
VGA Submission to CCA’s Consultation on 2024 Issues Paper (PDF 62KB)
MAV and VGA Submission to the National Adaptation Plan Issues Paper (April 2024)
The Municipal Association of Victoria and the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances jointly submitted their response to the federal government’s National Adaptation Plan issues paper. Based on the experience of the local government sector, they emphasised the importance of a cohesive and collaborative approach to climate adaptation through multilevel governance. The joint submission recommended increased direct financial support to enable all councils to accelerate local-level adaptation efforts. Additionally, it urged support for embedding adaptation through a whole-of-organisation approach, acquiring up-to-date climate risk data, clarifying financial disclosure requirements, and ensuring betterment principles were followed to enhance the resilience of assets. Finally, the organisations called for the incorporation of future climate scenarios and acceleration of adaptation through national levers such as construction policies and building codes.
MAV and VGA Submission to the National Adaptation Plan Issues Paper (PDF, 229KB)
Federal Inquiry into the Transition to Electric Vehicles (March 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances’ March 2024 submission to the federal inquiry on the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) provided several recommendations. The Alliances suggested adjusting truck regulations and road-user charges to incentivise a diverse supply of efficient, affordable, and second-hand EVs. The submission also emphasised addressing residential charging barriers, improving visibility of network capacity, implementing national standards of service delivery, developing an EV Battery Recycling Program, and introducing low and zero-emissions zones in city sectors. These recommendations aim to promote equitable access to EVs, accelerate charging infrastructure deployment, and ensure sustainable transportation practices.
VGA Submission Inquiry into the Transition to Electric Vehicles (PDF, 121KB)
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.
VGA Submission First Nations Clean Energy Strategy (PDF, 165KB)
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.
The March 2024 amendments to Victoria's Planning and Environment Act were a direct result of our campaign. As a result, planning authorities will need to explicitly consider greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and climate resilience in day-to-day planning processes.
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.