The Andrews Labor Government is taking the next step in meeting its 2050 target of net zero emissions by seeking independent expert advice on an interim emissions reduction target for 2035.

Minister for Energy, the Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the Interim Targets Independent Expert Panel – which will provide advice on recommended interim targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions between 2031 and 2035.

Strong action on climate change is crucial to the state’s future, with thousands of jobs already created thanks to the Labor Government’s action and investment in clean energy, zero-emissions transport and the circular economy.

Victoria was one of the first jurisdictions in the world to legislate its emission targets and is the only Australian jurisdiction with a legislated requirement to set new interim targets each 5 years.

The state has already met its initial target – to cut emissions by 15 to 20 per cent two years early − reducing emissions by 24.8 per cent between 2005 and 2019.

The Government’s plan to halve emissions by 2030 – announced last year − confirmed its position as a global climate leader, standing alongside leaders like the United States and the European Union.

Victoria has also set strong renewable energy targets, which will see 50 per cent of electricity coming from renewables by 2030. The target of 25 per cent by 2020 has already been exceeded, with renewable energy generating more than 32 per cent of the state’s electricity in 2021.

The expert panel – to be chaired by Martijn Wilder AM, with Tennant Reed and Emma Herd as members − brings skills and experience across climate change policy, law, economics, industry and investment.

Final advice from the panel will be provided to the Minister by 1 March 2023 and will be tabled in Parliament.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Reducing emissions and tackling climate change creates jobs and grows our economy. We want Victoria to be first in line to benefit from our world-leading action on climate change.”

“Our nation-leading Climate Change Act puts robust science and analysis at the heart of our plans to tackle climate change.”

“We are proud to continue to be Australia’s net-zero leader by seeking independent, expert advice on an emissions target for 2035.”