Policies as at 8 April 2022
This Appendix contains verbatim extracts from parties’ policies which are relevant to the seven scorecard scoring categories. Omissions within a sentence are marked by ellipses (‘…’), but are usually not noted between paragraphs or in lists; explanatory additions are in square brackets.
1. Recognises the climate emergency
| Party | Extracts from policies |
| Greens | Tackling the Climate Crisis (webpage): We are in a climate emergency. It threatens the safety of people, our health, water, ability to grow food, and the air we breathe. The stakes couldn’t be higher. If we continue to mine and burn coal, oil and gas, we’ll experience further economic losses, food, insurance and health costs will go up, and we’ll pay much higher energy bills. Over a million jobs in industries including tourism and farming are at risk. The climate crisis is caused by mining and burning coal & gas. It’s simple, if you don’t have a plan to phase out coal & gas, you don’t have a plan for the climate crisis. Right now, the urgent action we need is being delayed because the Liberals and Labor take millions in donations from big coal & gas corporations and the billionaires who own them. In return those corporations get special treatment. Many of the biggest coal & gas corporations pay no tax and send their profit offshore tax free. The Greens can get on with taking climate action, because we don’t take donations from coal & gas corporations. Fight for the Future (page 15): We are in a climate emergency that threatens to catastrophically overwhelm our society and economy. Policy principles: Climate Change and Energy Policy (webpage, dated August 2020): The Australian Greens believe that: The impacts of the human-induced climate crisis pose an existential threat to ecosystems, biodiversity and human societies. It is the duty of every government and organisation to take substantive action to solve the climate crisis. Urgent, equitable and sustained local, national and global action is required to avoid climate catastrophe. In Federal Parliament: Introduced Climate Emergency Declaration Bill 2020 in the House 2/03/2020 (removed from Notice Paper 1/12/2020) Sought leave to move a motion to declare a CE in the House 2/12/2020 (not granted) Sought leave to move a motion to declare a CE in the Senate 2/12/2020 (not granted) |
| Labor | ALP National Platform 2021 page 137: This Conference recognises that: Three years ago, Labor committed to recognising a climate emergency. It is a commitment that we still hold. Action on climate change is a Labor value; In that three years, action on climate change has only become more urgent after years of Coalition neglect, inaction and denial; and Climate change poses an existential threat to our people, our environment, our jobs and our way of life. Accordingly, Conference resolves that Labor takes an emergency footing in tackling climate change, adopting renewable energy at a rapid pace in order to address the existential threat of the climate emergency and to reach Australia’s potential as a renewables superpower. Powering Australia (Executive Summary): The world’s climate emergency could be our jobs and investment opportunity, but only when Australia is led by a Labor Government with the vision and plans to ensure we seize this moment. In Federal Parliament: Supported moving of CE declaration (by Greens) in the House 2/12/2020 Opposed moving of CE declaration (by Greens) in the Senate 2/12/2020 |
| Liberal | Protecting Our Environment (webpage, dated Sep 2021): No reference to the climate emergency, and no statement about the need for urgent action. The Plan to Deliver Net Zero The Australian Way page 3: Australia’s story so far is one of quiet achievement …. Our plan will maintain this momentum. In Federal Parliament: Opposed moving of CE declaration (by Greens) in the House 2/12/2020 Opposed moving of CE declaration (by Greens) in the Senate 2/12/2020 |
| Liberal Democrats | Cheap & Reliable Energy (webpage) High electricity prices not only increase the basic cost of living for households, they also increase costs for businesses and stifle economic growth. The major causes of these runaway prices are clear – overregulation, climate alarmist ideology, irrational prohibition of some energy sources and low business confidence in investment as a result. These problems seem set to get even worse with new “net-zero emissions” targets and associated regulations. |
| United Australia Party | National Policy No reference to climate change. |
| Independent Zahra Mustaf (Jaga Jaga) | https://voteclimateone.org.au/candidate/mustaf-zahra/ Says yes to a National Declaration of an Ecological and Climate Emergency. |
| Australian Federation Party | https://ausfedparty.com.au/policies/ No reference to climate change |
| One Nation | Climate Change (webpage) Scientists predicted global warming would lead to extremes of weather, which would be more intense and more frequent, but despite media reports extreme weather events were more common prior to 1960 than at any time since … If there is global warming, then we say it should be reflected in a large number of places in different climate zones but in Australia that appears not to be the case … It is clear to us that climate research needs to continue, but after thirty years of work by the IPCC there is insufficient evidence of global warming of the kind claimed by the IPCC and there is insufficient evidence of the climate catastrophes predicted … We are the only political party to question climate science … Are humans changing the earth’s climate? We say there is insufficient evidence and that more research needs to be done before we commit economic suicide in Australia. Carbon dioxide is taken in by plants and with water and sunshine, in the process known as photosynthesis, creates the carbohydrates and water needed by us. We want a clean environment and do not want pollutants added to our water or the air, but carbon dioxide is necessary for life on earth. |
2. Ambitious 2030 emissions reduction target
| Party | Extracts from policies |
| Greens | Climate Emergency Campaign (webpage): We must phase out coal and gas by 2030 … Drastically cutting emissions by 2030 is possible with the technology we have today, so let’s get it done. Policy principles: Climate Change and Energy Policy (webpage, dated August 2020): The Australian Greens want: Net zero or net negative Australian greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 or sooner. 2030 Targets Now campaign (webpage, October 2021): We’re calling on Scott Morrison to put in place a formal legislated plan to reduce Australia’s emissions by 75% by 2030 and phase out coal and gas. |
| Labor | Powering Australia (page 47): Labor will: Update Australia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), to include a target of 43% by 2030 off 2005 levels. |
| Liberal | The Plan to Deliver Net Zero The Australian Way (page 3): Australia is on track to reduce emissions by up to 35 per cent by 2030, well above our target of 26-28 per cent. |
| Liberal Democrats | Cheap & Reliable Energy (webpage) No net-zero emissions target. This target is an absurd extension of climate alarmist ideology that will have grave effects on living standards for all Australians if it is pursued. |
| United Australia Party | National Policy No emissions targets specified. |
| Independent Zahra Mustaf (Jaga Jaga) | Climate Policy (webpage) Acknowledges the need for urgent, collaborative solutions towards more ambitious 2030 targets |
| Australian Federation Party | https://ausfedparty.com.au/policies/ No mention of any policy relating to emissions reductions |
| One Nation | Climate Change (webpage) One Nation believes Australia should withdraw from the Paris Agreement signed in 2016. Australia has committed to the deepest and most savage carbon emission cuts in the world, on a per person basis. This commitment is predicted to slow the Australian economy with massive job losses starting in 2020. In our view, this economic suicide[1] cannot be justified on the evidence put forward by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). |
3. Rapid move to 100% renewable energy
| Party | Extracts from policies |
| Greens | Tackling the Climate Crisis (webpage): The mining and burning of coal and gas is a key reason we now face a climate crisis. In this critical decade for climate action, we need to keep coal and gas in the ground, and rapidly shift to renewable energy. The Greens plan includes: Immediately ban the construction of new coal, oil and gas infrastructure, ensuring we can transition our economy to zero carbon energy while maintaining a safe climate Phase out the mining, burning and export of thermal coal by 2030 to ensure we do our bit, so the world does not go over the 1.5 degree climate cliff Big coal and gas corporations have made electricity too dirty and too expensive – and they’re fighting the green energy revolution so they can keep making profits on their dirty clunkers. We should be generating power for the good of the country, not for private profits. The Greens plan includes: Large-scale public investment in renewable energy and storage, to replace every coalfired power plant in the country by 2030, ensuring we deal with the climate emergency in time. Upgrading the electricity transmission and distribution grid, integrating more wind and solar energy while ensuring we keep the lights on The creation of a publicly owned non-profit power retailer, to push power prices down and end price gouging by the big energy companies Renewables are the cheapest form of power – and green electricity will be the energy source of the future, both at home and your work. Methane gas is more expensive than renewables, almost 100 times worse for the climate than carbon dioxide when leaked, and is responsible for up to 12% of the burden of childhood asthma. The Greens plan includes: Financial support to households and small businesses to get off gas and move to electric alternatives, that are better for our health and the environment Financial support to get more households installing batteries to maximise their use of renewables such as solar power Create a non-profit publicly owned retailer to push down power bills and increase takeup of green energy |
| Fight for the Future (pages 15 & 21): 700% renewable energy. Over the next decade, we need to rapidly transition our power grid to wind and solar backed by storage …. 700% renewables means not just 100% renewable electricity as we replace coal and gas power stations, but switching transport and industry to clean energy too, as well as becoming a renewables superpower, exporting our renewable energy to the rest of the world through renewable hydrogen, solar electricity and green metals. | |
| To unlock this revolution, the government will need to lead the way with public investment in renewable generation, storage and transforming the power grid. | |
| … with the Greens in shared power we will be able to set a goal of 700% renewable energy and have a government led clean energy revolution over the next decade to fight the climate emergency. The Greens will push for key investments including: a $20 billion publicly-owned Grid Transformation Fund to lay the basis for a shift to 700% renewable energy Policy principles: Climate Change and Energy Policy (webpage, dated August 2020): Australia needs urgently to phase out fossil fuels for export and domestic use Australia has the capacity to ensure that all of our energy needs can be provided by renewable sources Energy prices should reflect the environmental, social, health and other external costs of its production and use The refurbishment of existing coal fired power stations, except for transitions to renewable energy, undermines the effort to increase end-use energy efficiency, demand management and renewable energy All energy infrastructure must be regulated by government, and large scale energy infrastructure and networks should be in public or community ownership The Australian Greens want: A just transition to a net negative greenhouse gas economy through a range of mechanisms including a plan to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy through strong regulatory intervention and a strong effective price on carbon Subsidies to the fossil fuel sector to be removed, and investment in relevant climate change mitigation sectors should be increased A government-supported shift to 100% renewables Construction of a comprehensive system of storage and transmission to achieve 100% renewable energy 100% of electricity used in Australia to come from renewable sources as soon as possible, by increasing the renewable energy target (RET) as well as measures such as public investment, feed-in tariffs and regulations to support a range of renewable energy generation, storage, transmission networks, efficiency, and export technologies Reform of energy markets to remove the bias toward centralised fossil fuel-based generation, encourage demand management and the development of distributed generation, storage and transmission of renewable energy | |
| Improved regulations, monitoring and compliance for all existing gas operations, particularly in relation to methane emissions, impact on water resources, agricultural land and biodiversity No new coal-fired power stations, gas mines or oil wells, and no expansions to any existing coal- or gas-fired power stations or mines, plus the development of programs to assist fossil fuel-dependent communities to make the transition to other more sustainable sources of economic prosperity Coal fired power stations should be decommissioned | |
| Labor | ALP National Platform 2021 (pages 40 – 41) Labor will modernise Australia’s energy system and develop a framework that will ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for families and businesses We recognise renewable energy as being central to our economic future and will ensure all Australians have equal access to the benefits of energy efficiency and clean energy Working with industry, workers and states, Labor will ensure access to affordable gas to support Australian households, power generation and industry, including through measures designed to ensure Australia’s energy security Labor recognises and supports the critical role that gas plays in the Australian economy. Labor recognises that gas has an important role to play in achieving Labor’s target of net zero emissions by 2050 Labor will work with state and territory governments, industry and unions on a strategic national approach to the future development of our energy system, including transmission and distribution planning and investment and supporting the development of Renewable Energy Zones Labor will support the development of new low pollution forms of energy, including traditional and new renewable energy, clean hydrogen, bioenergy, as well as supporting industrial and research capacity Powering Australia (pages 4-5): It [Powering Australia] will increase the share of renewables in the National Electricity Market to 82% by 2030. Powering Australia will: Invest $20 billion for the urgent upgrade of the electricity grid so it can handle more renewable power, working with the private sector to create thousands of jobs across the regions and deliver cheaper, more reliable electricity to homes and businesses. Co-invest $100 million for 85 solar banks across the country – providing cheaper electricity for more than 25,000 households that are locked out of rooftop solar, like renters and low-income households. Install 400 community batteries across the country with an investment of $200 million to maximise the benefits of Australia’s rooftop solar transformation, support the grid and provide shared storage for up to 100,000 households. |
| Reduce the Australian Public Service’s own emissions to net zero by 2030, with the Australian Defence Force and other national security agencies exempted given their unique operational needs. The Economic Impact of the ALP’s Powering Australia Plan, Reputex Energy, December 2021 (page 12) The ALP proposes to develop a Rewiring the Nation Corporation (RNC) to invest $20 billion toward the modernisation of the electricity grid This is projected to support new Renewable Energy Zone development … with renewable energy generation capacity projected to grow 26 GW by 2030 This is calculated to increase overall renewable penetration to 82% of all NEM [National Electricity Market] generation, up from 68% under the modelled Reference Case [Business-as-usual, equivalent to Commonwealth 2021 emissions projections] | |
| Liberal | Australia’s Long–Term Emissions Reduction Plan (Chapters 2 & 3) Australia has identified and prioritised low emissions technologies that will open net zero pathways for our economic sectors. The technologies prioritised through Australia’s Technology Investment Roadmap can contribute and enable around half the emissions reductions needed to achieve net zero. They are clean hydrogen, ultra low-cost solar, energy storage, low emissions steel and aluminium, carbon capture and storage, and soil carbon. By investing in research, development and demonstration, the Plan will drive down the cost of these key technologies and achieve their economic stretch goals, unlocking their use across the economy. The Technology Investment Roadmap is the cornerstone of this approach. The roadmap is expected to guide at least $20 billion of Australian Government investment in low emissions technologies over the decade to 2030. National agencies including ARENA, the CEFC and the Clean Energy Regulator, as well as other targeted programs and initiatives, have been aligned with the roadmap and are investing in priority technologies. Ultra low-cost solar Stretch goal: solar electricity generation at $15 per megawatt hour (MWh). Modelling for the Plan shows that, if we can realise these cost reductions, solar could become the single largest source of Australia’s electricity generation by 2050 (over 50% of total generation). Unlocking ultra low-cost solar is therefore crucial for Australia’s electricity system to achieve near zero emissions. Energy storage Stretch goal: electricity from storage for firming under $100 per MWh. Analysis for the Plan found that low-cost storage could enable a step change in the share of variable renewable generation, unlocking new opportunities for energy intensive exports. The Government is supporting emerging battery technologies through ARENA, the CEFC and other programs Achieving net zero by 2050 emissions will require low emissions technology to be deployed at scale across all sectors of the economy. As well as making these technologies cheaper, the Australian Government is tackling the challenges that may otherwise slow technology deployment across the economy. A key principle of this Plan is that technology deployment will be led by the private sector. The Government will help by clearing the path, removing barriers and pulling policy and other levers that can enable technology adoption to occur at the necessary scale. Our modelling describes one scenario for how Australia’s electricity sector could decarbonise. Under this scenario, declining technology costs enable the sector to achieve near zero emissions, with variable renewable energy providing more than 85% of total generation. Our modelling forecasts there will still be some coal and a significant proportion of gas in the electricity grid in 2050. The Australian Government is making major strategic infrastructure investments to enable ongoing renewables deployment. This includes our $1.38 billion investment in Snowy 2.0, which will add 2000 MW of dispatchable generation to the National Electricity Market. Investments in transmission, interconnector and storage projects such as the MarinusLink interconnector, Project EnergyConnect interconnector and Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation will provide vital support to the grid and connect new firm capacity. The Australian Government has supported or underwritten investment in more than $2.6 billion of new transmission. The Government is also making strategic investments in new dispatchable generation, including through the Underwriting New Generation Investment Program and its investment through Snowy Hydro Limited to construct a 660 MW open cycle gas turbine in NSW. The Government has committed $24.9 million in funding to support new gas generators to be hydrogen-ready. A current priority for governments is delivering a long term, fit-for-purpose post-2025 market design for the National Electricity Market. Advised by the Energy Security Board (ESB), governments are reforming systems, tools, and regulations so they can meet long- term consumer interests in this key market. The ESB’s work is also seeking to deliver new market-based arrangements (where possible) to value the essential system services needed to support the changing mix of generation resources in the National Electricity Market. Australia is also putting in place regulatory and institutional arrangements so new technologies can be deployed and integrated into our energy systems. For example, Australia is developing a regulatory framework for offshore energy technologies and infrastructure. The forthcoming LETS 2021 [Low Emissions Technology Statement] will recognise that ‘digital grid’ technologies will be fundamental to a low emissions economy, and ARENA has contributed $2.23 million to support AEMO’s [Australian Energy Market Operator] work in this area. See also: Low Emissions Technology Statement 2021 The Plan to Deliver Net Zero The Australian Way page 3: Electricity sector emissions are projected to fall by 90 per cent from 2005 levels under our plan [to deliver net zero by 2050], largely enabled by the falling price of energy storage to maintain affordable and reliable power. Protecting Our Environment (webpage, dated Sep 2021): The Morrison Government is investing in Snowy 2.0 (one of the largest pumped hydro projects in the southern hemisphere) and Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation and an interconnector These will store enough clean energy to power around one million homes We are investing in further transmission projects such as Project Energy Connect (linking SA, Victoria and NSW) and VNI West (linking Victoria and NSW) By strengthening the grid we will enable electricity to be shifted and shared across Australia, making it more accessible and affordable. |
| Liberal Democrats | Cheap & Reliable Energy (webpage) Free market energy. Government funding, ownership and regulation of energy sources only distort the market and reduce business confidence. All sources of energy should compete in the market on their own merits of reliability and cost. Certainty for the energy industry. The risk of reckless future regulations is preventing investment in new energy production. Government should be required to pay regulatory compensation in cases where new regulation directly harms the value of private property. No net-zero emissions target. This target is an absurd extension of climate alarmist ideology that will have grave effects on living standards for all Australians if it is pursued. Abolish the renewable energy target (RET). The RET is a significant contributor to Australia’s runaway electricity prices. It has created a muddled and complex regulatory framework and taken away the incentive for investment into cheaper energy sources. Nuclear energy is the cleanest, safest and most reliable means of making grid-scale electricity. It is also one of the lowest emitters of carbon dioxide, generates significantly less waste than solar energy, and has comparatively tiny land requirements. Repeal the blanket ban on nuclear energy in Australia. This ban is an anachronistic relic that only serves to stifle innovation and drive up electricity costs. Australia should license modern nuclear power plants based on international best practice. Make regulations fair and consistent. Nuclear energy should be given equal treatment with other low carbon technologies, and radiation in the nuclear energy sector should not be regulated more harshly than radiation in other sectors. |
| United Australia Party | National Policy End Australia’s Energy Crisis Australia has the world’s largest deposits of uranium, however while we export uranium to other nations for them to take advantage of, we ban its use in Australia for electricity generation. The government should be proactive in establishing research into new nuclear technology to help solve Australia’s energy problems. |
| Independent Zahra Mustaf (Jaga Jaga) | Climate Policy (webpage) Facilitate 100% power generation from renewable sources by 2030 or earlier in line with research that clearly shows this is possible in Victoria, specifically. With about 81% of emissions in Jagajaga coming from gas heating and electricity, we stand to both contribute to, and benefit significantly from meeting this target.Support (and potentially subsidise) measures to use less energy to achieve the same utility outcomes (energy efficiency) including through smart meters, installation of heat pumps, retrofitting of buildings to be more energy efficient in heating and cooling, and setting minimum efficiency standards for appliances.Support the establishment of renewable energy zones across the country where a mix of clean power generation will be brought together with transmission and storage, to deliver more reliable and affordable electricity.Focus primarily on existing and proven climate mitigation methods while supporting further technological innovation and research including on hydrogen futures and carbon capture and storage. |
| Australian Federation Party | https://ausfedparty.com.au/policies/ No reference to renewable energy |
| One Nation | Climate Change (webpage) One Nation supports the use of renewable energy sources for the National Electricity grid when it makes sense to do so, but we do not support taxpayer subsidies for renewable sources of energy because renewable sources cannot provide the base load power we need. Affordable Energy and Cost of Living (webpage) One Nation will implement low cost, reliable, dispatchable power by building new low- emission coal-fired power stations. We will restore Australia’s essential 90-day fuel security policy and commit to reducing cost of living expenses while ensuring manufacturers have a globally competitive power source. |
4. Substantial incentives for electric vehicles
| Party | Extracts from policies |
| Greens | Tackling the Climate Crisis (webpage): Every month there are more options, electric vehicles are getting cheaper, and with even more places to charge, you can drive further too. There are 20 million cars in Australia and less than 1% of them are electric. We need an electric vehicle revolution, it will make transport cleaner, cheaper and more reliable, create thousands of jobs and new industries and help tackle the climate crisis. The Greens plan includes: Help you buy your first EV, reducing the cost of an electric vehicle by up to $15,000 and provide ultra-cheap finance for the balance Build a $2 billion publicly owned EV fast charging network, ensuring that you’ll always have a place to fuel up Electrify the Commonwealth fleet by 2025, leading the way and driving the second-hand vehicle market End the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, so you’re not stuck on yesterday’s technology Legislate tough vehicle pollution standards to drive down emissions – meaning cleaner air in your community Provide $1.2b to manufacturers of electric vehicles and electric vehicle components in Australia, building the Australian EV manufacturing industry Drive an Electric Vehicle Revolution (Policy Initiative, pages 2– 4)) REDUCE THE COST OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES … the Greens will make zero emissions vehicles more affordable by the creation of a First EV Rebate and First EV Loan: First EV Rebate The First EV Rebate would provide up to $10,000 for your first electric vehicle, with the total maximum grant size declining over the coming years as EV uptake increases and phasing out entirely after 2.5 million vehicles have been rebated under the scheme. There would be a 50% loading for buying an Australian made vehicle, allowing for rebates up to $15,000 and providing a key incentive for the reboot of local automotive manufacturing. Eligible Buyers Total Rebate (Import vs Australia Made) First 100,000 $10,000 / $15,000 Next 200,000 $7,500 / $11,250 Next 200,000 $5,000 / $7,500 Next 500,000 $3,000 / $4,500 Next 500,000 $2,000 / $35,000 Next 1,000,000 $1,000 / $1,500 First EV Loan In addition, the Commonwealth would provide all recipients of the First EV Rebate with an opportunity to utilise the First EV Loan. This First EV Loan would dramatically reduce the interest paid for those who need financing to afford their vehicle. The Commonwealth would finance up to $50,000 of the remaining price of the vehicle at concessional rates well below the market standard. |
| LEGISLATE TOUGH VEHICLE EMISSIONS STANDARDS To reach net-zero emissions by 2035, we must transform how we transport people and goods. Around the world, countries are announcing phase out dates for the sale of new internal combustion engine cars … , Australia is one of the few remaining countries in the OECD yet to implement CO2 emission standards. By requiring the big automakers to sell lower emission cars (as they are required to do in the USA, Europe and Japan), the Australian Government has projected that households would save about $519 per year by 2025 … | |
| To reach these targets the Greens will implement a light vehicle emissions standard of 105g/km by 2025, ratcheting down to 0g/km by 2030 and requiring 100% of sales to be electric, plug-in hybrid or fuel cell vehicles by 2030 (except for specialist vehicles). $2 BILLION FOR FAST CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE Using and charging electric vehicles should be simple and straightforward, no matter where you live. The Greens will provide $2 billion over the next two years to FutureGrid, our proposed publicly owned electricity transmission and distribution company, to build new electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This funding will be prioritised for fast charging stations that allow drivers to get to 80% charge in approximately 15-30 minutes, with a focus on installing over 30,000 fast chargers at critical points all across the country. This will ensure that everyone has access to the electric vehicle revolution. ELECTRIFY THE COMMONWEALTH FLEET The Commonwealth has over ten thousand cars in its fleet. The Greens will make sure that all new Commonwealth vehicles are electric by 2025, not only contributing to the decarbonisation of the Commonwealth’s own energy use, but injecting a large number of Evs into the second hand market at the end of the Commonwealth leasing period. MAKE ELECTRIC VEHICLES HERE IN AUSTRALIA Supporting an EV manufacturing industry will mean thousands of jobs for Australians. It will have flow on benefits supporting research, development and manufacturing across the country in other industries. The Greens will provide $1.2 billion in support to the manufacturing of electric vehicles and their components here in Australia, including a national plan and coordination with major buyers including state and territory governments. These grants will operate similarly to the Automotive Transformation Scheme that the Morrison Government under spent to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars – with grants that can cover up to 15% of the cost of eligible plant and equipment and 50% of eligible research and development investments. Eligible companies would include not only EV manufacturers, but EV component manufacturers such as producers of lithium-ion batteries, electric motors and EV charging equipment. We will also secure the demand pipeline for Australian-made vehicles, with our First EV Grant providing a 50% loading for Australia made cars and light commercial vehicles, pushing down the comparative price of an Australia made EV compared to imported models. SCRAP STATE-BASED EV TAXES State Labor governments in Victoria and Coalition Governments in New South Wales and South Australia have introduced or proposed the introduction of road-user charges that will only apply to electric vehicles. In the middle of a climate emergency, such measures will only serve to slow the take up of cleaner modes of transport. The Greens will use Commonwealth powers to override these state based EV taxes, ensuring that we transition to a new national system to replace the fuel excise that doesn’t disincentivise the switch to electric transport. |
| Labor | Powering Australia (pages 40 & 43): National Electric Vehicle Strategy This strategy will work with industry, unions, states and consumers and will include consideration of the following: Further measures to make electric vehicles cheaper, increase electric vehicles sales and infrastructure; Policy settings to encourage Australian manufacturing of electric car components (especially batteries) and possibly cars themselves; and Ways to address the policy implications of declining fuel excise. To roll out more EV charging infrastructure, Labor will: Work with states and territories to maximise EV charging infrastructure on federally funded infrastructure projects Work with industry to review the National Construction Code with regard to boosting EV charging infrastructure Ensure City Deals encourage EV charging facilities wherever possible Electric Car Discount Labor will exempt many electric cars from: Import tariffs – there is currently a 5% tax on some imported electric cars; and Fringe benefits tax – there is currently a 47% tax on electric cars that are provided through work for private use. These exemptions will be available to all electric cars below the luxury car tax threshold for fuel efficient vehicles ($79,659 in 2021-22). This cut-off will encourage car manufacturers to import and supply more affordable electric models in Australia. The Electric Vehicle Council estimates that under Labor’s policy to remove the import tariff, a $50,000 model (such as the Nissan Leaf) will be more than $2,000 cheaper. If a $50,000 model is provided through employment arrangements, Labor’s FBT exemption will save employers up to $9,000 a year. Often FBT is passed on to employees – and those employees will benefit directly from Labor’s policy. Labor’s Electric Car Discount will begin on 1 July 2022 and be reviewed after three years, in light of electric car take up at that time. These incentives will cost around $250 million over three years. |
| Liberal | Australia’s Long–Term Emissions Reduction Plan (Chapter 3) McKinsey analysis found electric vehicles could reduce emissions by up to 80 Mt CO₂-e across the economy between 2019 and 2050, contributing around 15% of Australia’s overall 2050 abatement task. Over the long term, public charging and refuelling infrastructure will need to be widely available and convenient for new transport technologies to be deployed at scale. Public and private investment in battery electric charging infrastructure needs to increase to build consumer confidence and enable large-scale uptake. Investment is also needed in refuelling infrastructure for hydrogen and other alternative fuels. The Australian Government is tackling these issues through the forthcoming Future Fuels Strategy and a range of Government investments. It will also develop a new ERF |
| [Emissions Reduction Fund] method to further incentivise the rollout of low emissions transport infrastructure. Australia’s forthcoming Future Fuels Strategy [see below] will be supported by measures that enable consumer choice, stimulate industry development and reduce emissions in the road transport sector. The Strategy will build on a range of existing work and investments, including: The Future Fuels Fund, which is: helping businesses integrate new vehicle technologies into their fleets reducing blackspots for public charging and refuelling infrastructure in both regions and cities unlocking opportunities for heavy vehicle fleets to upgrade to utilize new transport technologies The Government is also investing in: critical reforms to ensure the grid is ‘EV-ready’ and analysis to inform the roll out of charging and refuelling infrastructure better information on Evs and charging infrastructure to support consumer choices $21 million of ARENA funding to roll out ultra-fast charging sites along 2 highway networks up to $1.3 billion of CEFC finance made available to assist uptake of low and zero emissions vehicles $25 million for the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre, which will develop Australia’s battery industry, including batteries for transport Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy (pages 3 & 4) The Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy sets out how the Australian Government will support a technology-led approach to reducing emissions in the transport sector. By 2030, battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are projected to make up 30% of new light vehicle sales. The Australian Government has now made available $2.1 billion for low emission vehicle and future fuel technologies. The government will continue to partner with industry to invest in enabling battery charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for road transport to give Australian consumers and business confidence to purchase low emission vehicles that work for them. The government is taking targeted action to support commercial investment and consumer uptake of low emission vehicles and future fuels … the government is prioritising enabling infrastructure and grid readiness, allowing industry to focus on technological improvements to reach price parity. This infrastructure rollout will also increase consumer confidence. The government will leverage more private sector investment by focusing on 4 streams of key infrastructure and technology investment with an expanded $250 million Future Fuels Fund: public electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure heavy and long distance vehicle fleets light vehicle commercial fleets | |
| household smart charging. Further investment in battery charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure will also be encouraged through the development of a new Emissions Reduction Fund method. The Australian Government will champion and bring forward a package of priority market reforms to state and territory energy ministers to ensure the electricity grid is EV-ready. This … [will] initially include the following priorities: exploring network tariff reform … and infrastructure rollout incentivising the use of smart chargers in households tasking the energy market bodies to partner with governments The government will also ensure consumers can access reliable, easy-to-understand information on low emission vehicles, helping consumers make informed choices about the vehicle that is right for them. Through the government’s approach, it is estimated that: emissions will be reduced by over 8 Mt CO2-e by 2035 charging infrastructure will be deployed in over 400 businesses, 50,000 households and over 1,000 new public access fast charging stations convenient access to public fast charging will be enabled for up to 84% of the population (over 21 million people) over 2,600 new jobs will be created health costs of around $200 million will be avoided out to 2035 electricity network upgrades costs of $224 million will be avoided by 2030 create the environment for there to be 1.7 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. | |
| Liberal Democrats | Freedom Manifesto (webpage) No reference to electric vehicles or transport emissions in policy documents. |
| United Australia Party | National Policy No reference to Evs or transport. |
| Independent Zahra Mustaf (Jaga Jaga) | https://voteclimateone.org.au/candidate/ustaf-zahra/ Mentions electrical charging stations in Jaga Jaga |
| Australian Federation Party | https://ausfedparty.com.au/policies/ No reference to electric vehicles |
| One Nation | Climate Change (webpage): The economic and social pain of meeting Australia’s commitments, under the Paris Agreement, has only begun because the reductions in carbon emissions concern all areas of the economy and not just electricity generation. This means we have yet to make significant reductions in agriculture, and all means of transport. In France, they tax cars on a kilometre basis for carbon dioxide emissions and its one reason for the recent riots in Paris. |
5. No new fossil fuel mining (thermal coal, gas or oil)
| Party | Extracts from policies |
| Greens | Tackling the Climate Crisis (webpage): The mining and burning of coal and gas is a key reason we now face a climate crisis. In this critical decade for climate action, we need to keep coal and gas in the ground, and rapidly shift to renewable energy. The Greens plan includes: Immediately ban the construction of new coal, oil and gas infrastructure, ensuring we can transition our economy to zero carbon energy while maintaining a safe climate Phase out the mining, burning and export of thermal coal by 2030 to ensure we do our bit, so the world does not go over the 1.5 degree climate cliff Policy principles: Climate Change and Energy Policy (webpage, dated August 2020): The Australian Greens want: No new coal-fired power stations, gas mines or oil wells, and no expansions to any existing coal- or gas-fired power stations or mines, plus the development of programs to assist fossil fuel-dependent communities to make the transition to other more sustainable sources of economic prosperity. Thermal coal exports to be phased out by 2030 and all other fossil fuel exports to cease by 2040, with the exception of metallurgical coal. The adoption of the precautionary principle in relation to capturing carbon through geosequestration, by opposing public funding, and ensuring that companies are financially responsible for the risks and effects of greenhouse gas leakage. An Australian government investment policy that divests from all fossil fuel extraction and consumption. |
| Labor | ALP National Platform 2021 (pages 20-21, 39, 40-41, 87) Labor recognises and values the economic and employment contribution of Australia’s mining and extractive resources industries including iron ore, coal, uranium, nickel, rare earths, gold, copper, zinc, silver, gas, bauxite and others. Labor notes the critical importance these industries play in Australia’s economic prosperity, particularly in Australia’s terms of trade, as well in supporting regional Australian communities. In recognition of the vast contribution resources make to Australia’s prosperity, Labor will develop Australia’s natural resources through competitive minerals, resources and energy industries, backed by quality infrastructure links, which grow export-oriented jobs for our modern economy. Labor will: promote the ecologically sustainable development of Australia’s energy resources, taking into account domestic industrial, home and community needs and the need to ensure security of domestic electricity and gas supplies which encourage investment and support properly functioning gas and electricity markets; support modern maritime engineering excellence in export gas production, including the involvement of Australian engineering and industry within the supply chain. Supported by the advice of experts including the Chief Scientist and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Labor recognises the role that Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) will play in abating carbon pollution and ensuring industries like heavy manufacturing and gas production are |
| able to play their role in meeting carbon pollution reduction goals consistent with achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Labor’s support, to date, for the development of CCS technologies stands in sharp contrast to the record of the Coalition government which has abolished CCS support programs and cut $460 million in CCS financial support. Labor recognises and supports the critical role that gas plays in the Australian economy. Labor recognises that gas has an important role to play in achieving Labor’s target of net zero emissions by 2050. Labor’s policies will support Australian workers in the gas extraction industry, building on Labor’s legacy of supporting sufficient and affordable gas supply for Australian industry and consumers. This includes support for new gas projects and associated infrastructure, subject to independent approval processes to ensure legitimate community concerns are heard and addressed. Labor will ensure the industry assesses and manages environmental and other impacts, including on water reserves and co-existence with other agricultural activities, and engages constructively with landholders. The Federal government must also institute policies like more rigorous use-it or lose-it conditions for offshore gas resources, a price related export control trigger, and omesticc reservation policies to ensure environmentally approved gas projects are developed for the benefit of Australians, including as a feedstock to crucial strategic manufacturing industries including chemical and fertiliser production. Labor recognises the critical role gas-power generation plays in firming the National Electricity Market (NEM) and will have regard to the advice of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in continuing to ensure reliability and price affordability as the NEM transitions to net zero emissions and as other technologies emerge. Working with industry, workers and states, Labor will ensure access to affordable gas to support Australian households, power generation and industry, including through measures designed to ensure Australia’s energy security. Labor supports Australian industry, including agriculture, manufacturing, minerals including coal, oil and gas, and services having access to global markets in accordance with Labor’s policy framework as described here.In Federal Parliament: In June 2021, Labor opposed a motion in the House (see under ‘Regulations and Determinations) moved by Z Steggall to disallow the instrument which provides Government funding to accelerate exploration for gas in the Beetaloo Basin (via the Beetaloo Cooperative Drilling Program). | |
| Liberal | The Plan to Deliver Net Zero The Australian Way (pages 2, 12, 17): Our plan will create the enabling environment for investment in Australia. It will not shut down coal or gas production. The plan is aligned fully with steps the Australian Government is already taking to secure the nation’s future energy needs and supplies of fuel, gas and electricity. While emissions-intensive exports like coal and gas will face global headwinds in the long term, there will be demand for these exports for many years to come. This gives Australia time to future-proof our economy and workforce, including establishing new industries like clean hydrogen production. It is an energy, trade and economic plan, not just an environmental one. It will not shut down coal or gas production or exports. It will not cost jobs – not in farming, mining or gas. Australia’s Long–Term Emissions Reduction Plan (pages 13, 19, 27, 45, 66, 80, 82,119) Our Plan takes a practical approach. … It does not penalise traditional industries … We will continue to supply traditional markets while enabling the private sector to invest in new industries to ensure we can take advantage of emerging opportunities in sectors like hydrogen, clean liquefied natural gas (clean LNG) and critical minerals. While most of our major sectors will grow strongly to 2050, even as the world decarbonises, some sectors will face global headwinds. We will continue to export our traditional energy exports for as long as our customers demand them. If we were to withdraw supply and reduce our exports, other countries would fill the gap in supply. Australia’s coal and gas export industries will continue through to 2050 and beyond, supporting jobs and regional communities. We will continue to supply energy exports in the form our customers want it. Without affordable low emissions technologies, global demand for our existing energy exports will continue, and other countries will fill the gap if Australia is forced out of global markets early. Australia’s approach is to develop technologies – like hydrogen and carbon capture and storage – for adoption here and overseas so they are ready as global demand changes for coal and gas. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) can help decarbonise industrial sectors including steel, cement and natural gas. It can also provide a pathway to produce clean hydrogen using natural gas or coal. The Australian Government has agreed 3 bilateral state deals – with NSW, Tasmania and South Australia – leveraging overall investment of more than $3 billion in energy and emissions reductions projects. These deals are: o increasing gas supply o supporting transmission, interconnectors and renewable energy zones o reducing emissions through low emissions technology development. The long-term prospects for Australia’s coal and gas sectors will depend on the preferences of our customers and the pace of international action. Australian natural gas production is expected to remain robust, and will be higher in 2030 than it is today. Coal production will remain flat or decline slightly, by around 6% over the same period. As a result of these global trends, Australian fossil fuels production is projected to fall over the period to 2050, and will be 35% lower than 2020. International demand for coal is projected to taper more rapidly than for natural gas. Our modelling finds that changing customer demand for these commodities, and not a domestic emissions goal, drives the economic impacts on these sectors. Export earnings from energy commodities (coal, LNG, uranium and liquid fuels) made up just over a quarter of Australia’s total resources and energy exports in 2020–21. This is expected to grow to around 40% in 2022–23, returning to typical pre-COVID-19 levels. Energy commodities are expected to continue to be demanded in the Asia-Pacific, as populous nations develop rapidly. Australia is well placed to maintain its position as a leading supplier within the region. 2021 National Gas Infrastructure Plan (pages 2 & 7) Gas is a major contributor to economic prosperity for all Australians and supports the reliability and security of our electricity system. Internationally competitive and affordable gas helps underpin the productivity and competitiveness of Australian industry … Through the gas-fired recovery, the Government wants Australian gas to work for all Australians while remaining one of the top global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exporters. The Government has committed to developing an ongoing series of National Gas Infrastructure Plans (NGIPs) to support a more strategic approach to gas infrastructure investment. NGIPs complement other Government measures to unlock additional gas supplies, ensure an efficient gas transportation network, and empower gas consumers through greater market transparency. These include the Strategic Basin Plans, gas pipeline regulation reforms, establishment of an Australian gas hub at Wallumbilla, and the Future Gas Infrastructure Investment Framework. These key initiatives recognise that, through proactive engagement with industry and with appropriate support, gas will accelerate our economic recovery. East coast gas production will continue to drive export revenues and economic growth during the period to 2041. The Government has committed to supporting the development of new gas supply through the Strategic Basin Plans, including providing support to accelerate new resource developments towards commercialisation and realising additional supply from existing plays. There may be circumstances where private sector investment is not available in time to ensure priority infrastructure projects are in place when required. In such conditions, the Government stands ready to drive new infrastructure development through the Future Gas Infrastructure Investment Framework (the Investment Framework). This NGIP identifies five priority actions to support efficient infrastructure development and avoid supply shortfall risks: Expand storage and flexible supply capacity close to southern demand centres Prioritise proving the viability of new upstream resources Advance early stage infrastructure design and development activities that enable access to new basins Enable increased north-south flows Coordinate gas infrastructure priorities with the National Hydrogen Infrastructure Assessment Future Gas Infrastructure Investment Framework (pages 1 & 3) The Australian Government’s gas-fired recovery is being implemented through a range of actions to unlock new gas supply, deliver an efficient pipeline and transportation network, and empower gas customers. As part of this agenda, the Government committed in May 2021 to developing the Future Gas Infrastructure Investment Framework (the Investment Framework) to guide consideration of potential Commonwealth support for critical gas infrastructure projects identified in the National Gas Infrastructure Plan (NGIP). While the Government’s preference is for industry to lead investment in these critical infrastructure projects, the Government is prepared to take action to alleviate the risk of gas supply shortfalls and the impacts a shortfall would have on jobs and Australia’s economic competitiveness. The Investment Framework recognises that there may be circumstances where private investment in priority projects is not available in time or there are other forms of market failure and barriers that compromise the ability for critical projects to proceed, thereby risking Australia’s energy security or other important benefits for the domestic gas market. The Investment Framework provides certainty by laying out the circumstances where the Government may, through targeted co-investment with industry, assist in accelerating critical mid-stream infrastructure projects to final investment decision (FID). This will help to ensure new supply can be delivered more efficiently to place downward pressure on gas prices and alleviate forecast gas supply shortfalls. As support under this framework is targeted at pre-FID activities, it is anticipated that targeted grants, including recoupable and conditional grants, and loans will likely be the most appropriate support mechanisms. Other options relevant to a project’s operational phase, such as underwriting offtakes, are not available under this Framework. Unlocking the Beetaloo: Beetaloo Strategic Basin Plan (page 5) Actions: New Investments $220 million+ Establishing a new $50 million Beetaloo Cooperative Drilling Program to support $200 million of exploration activity before 30 June 2022. Commissioned a $0.7 million Beetaloo Development Study. Co-funded (with the NT Government) a $0.5 million Infrastructure Requirements Analysis Working with gas operators to address practical barriers to exploration and appraisal. Committed $36.2 million through the government’s Geological and Bioregional Assessment Program. The program produces geological and environmental data, tools and knowledge. This investment includes an approximate $16.9 million allocation to Beetaloo projects through to June 2021. Invested $1.9 million to develop a Beetaloo Aboriginal Economic Development Strategy. Committed $19.2 million to support CSIRO’s Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA) research efforts across Australia. Of the funds committed as at 30 June 2020, Beetaloo related projects received $1.6 million with more to be allocated by GISERA over the next few years. Establishing a new $173.6 million Roads of Strategic Importance corridor, the NT Gas Industry Roads Upgrades. These upgrades will be required for commercial development. Building a $2.2 million Barkly Business Hub. This will support local companies to realise the benefits of gas development and other opportunities in the region. Note: In December 2021, the Federal Court ruled that $21 million grant agreements with Empire Energy (part of the $50 million Beetaloo Cooperative Drilling Program) were void on procedural grounds. |
| Liberal Democrats | Freedom Manifesto (webpage) No reference to fossil fuel mining in policy documents. |
| United Australia Party | National Policy Process Australian Minerals at Home We can create thousands of jobs and turbo-charge our exports by processing our mineral resources in Australia |
| Independent Zahra Mustaf (Jaga Jaga) | Climate Policy (webpage) An immediate stop to new fossil fuel (coal, oil and gas) projects, a phasing out of existing projects and, where possible, repurposing of sites and infrastructure for non-fossil-based uses.Support a ban on thermal coal and its export (which will become increasingly uneconomical) by no later than 2030. |
| Australian Federation Party | https://ausfedparty.com.au/policies/ No reference to fossil fuel mining |
| One Nation | Climate Change (webpage): No reference to fossil fuel mining Bringing Back Australian Values (webpage): One Nation opposes: · Mining and CSG exploration on farmland, where it will have a negative impact on our environment and water table |
6. Strong independent integrity commission
| Party | Extracts from policies |
| Greens | Cleaning Up Politics, Reviving Democracy (pages 1 & 2) Without strong, independent and well-resourced bodies to shine a light on decisions and stamp out corruption, politicians and big corporations will keep doing the wrong thing. Their time is up. The Greens will provide $119M to establish a strong, independent National Integrity Commission to hold politicians and public servants to account and to stop big corporations and the super rich from buying the political outcomes that favour them. Our legislation for such a watchdog has already passed the Senate, but the Government refuses to bring the bill on for a vote in the House of Representatives … Unlike the weak model proposed by the government, our corruption watchdog will: have a broad remit to investigate potentially corrupt behaviour and extensive investigation powers make politicians subject to the same investigation and enforcement powers as other public sector agencies be able to act on tips off from the public be able to investigate behaviour of politicians going back 10 years hold public hearings, where it is in the public interest to do so provide strong protections for whistleblowers and journalists Policy principles: Constitutional Reform and Democracy (webpage, dated November 2020) The Australian Greens want: A national independent anti-corruption commission which is protected from partisan political influence. In Federal Parliament: The Greens’ led National Integrity Commission Bill 2018 (No. 2) was passed in the Senate in September 2019 with support from Independents and Labor; the Bill was not progressed in the House. The Greens supported a narrowly defeated motion (by Rex Patrick) to debate the Australian Federal Integrity Commission Bill 2020 introduced in the House by Helen Haines. |
| Labor | ALP National Platform 2021 page 68-69: Labor will make government open and accountable, and will have no tolerance for corruption. Labor will: establish a powerful, independent and transparent National Integrity Commission as part of a broad national anti-corruption plan National Anti–Corruption Commission (webpage) Labor believes the time is long past for a National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to be established, and an Albanese Labor Government will give priority to introducing legislation to establish such a body. Under these design principles the NACC will: have broad jurisdiction to investigate Commonwealth ministers, public servants, statutory office holders, government agencies, parliamentarians, and personal staff of politicians; carry out its functions independently of government, with discretion to commence inquiries into serious and systemic corruption on its own |
| initiative or in response to referrals, including from government agencies, Members of Parliament, whistleblowers, and complaints from the public. To ensure the Commission is and remains independent, the Commissioner and any Deputy Commissioner would serve for a single fixed term and have security of tenure comparable to that of a federal judge; be overseen by a statutory bipartisan Joint Standing Committee of the Parliament, empowered to require the Commission to provide information about its work. To ensure bipartisan support for the Commission’s work, that Committee would be responsible for confirming the Commissioners nominated by the Government; have the power to investigate allegations of serious and systemic corruption that occurred before or after its establishment; have the power to hold public hearings where the Commission determines it is in the public interest to do so; be empowered to make findings of fact, including a finding of corrupt conduct, but not to make determinations of criminal liability. Findings that could constitute criminal conduct would be referred to the Australian Federal Police or the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecutions for further consideration; and operate with procedural fairness and its findings would be subject to judicial review. In Federal Parliament: Labor supported the Greens’ led National Integrity Commission Bill 2018 (No. 2) which was passed in the Senate in September 2019; the Bill was not progressed in the House. Labor supported a narrowly defeated motion (by Rex Patrick) to debate the Australian Federal Integrity Commission Bill 2020 introduced in the House by Helen Haines. | |
| Liberal | Commonwealth Integrity Commission Fact Sheet (November 2020) The CIC would be a centralised, specialist centre for the prevention and investigation of corruption in the Commonwealth public sector and higher education and research sectors. The CIC would be established as a new independent statutory agency, subsuming and replacing the existing Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI). The CIC would have a broad jurisdiction to ensure that it can properly investigate corruption within the Commonwealth public sector and in the higher education and research sectors. The CIC would be divided into two divisions, as follows: The law enforcement integrity division would have jurisdiction over the … law enforcement agencies and public sector agencies with investigative functions. The public sector integrity division of the CIC would have jurisdiction over public service departments and agencies … higher education providers and research bodies … Commonwealth service providers and any subcontractors they engage … parliamentarians and their staff. The CIC’s primary function would be the investigation of serious criminal conduct that represents corruption in the public sector. The law enforcement integrity division would investigate corrupt conduct The public sector integrity division would investigate corrupt conduct … It would only investigate criminal offences and would not make findings of corruption at large. This approach would ensure that it is the courts making findings of criminally corrupt conduct. Heads of law enforcement agencies would have a mandatory obligation to refer corruption issues relating to their agency to the CIC. The heads of entities … covered by the public sector integrity division would have a mandatory obligation to report suspected corruption issues relating to their staff members. The public sector integrity division could receive a referral from another integrity agency – like the Ombudsman |
| … Parliamentarians will also be able to refer their staff. The CIC would not receive referrals about those within the public sector integrity division’s jurisdiction from the public at large. The law enforcement integrity division would have all the powers ACLEI has – including the ability to execute search warrants, make arrests and use telecommunications interception and surveillance devices, subject to appropriate thresholds being met. The public sector division would have all the same powers as the law enforcement integrity division with the exception of the ability to hold public hearings or conduct integrity testing. In Federal Parliament: Opposed the Greens’ led National Integrity Commission Bill 2018 (No. 2) which was passed in the Senate in September 2019; the Bill was not progressed in the House. Opposed a narrowly defeated motion (by Rex Patrick) to debate the Australian Federal Integrity Commission Bill 2020 introduced in the House by Helen Haines. | |
| Liberal Democrats | Freedom Manifesto (webpage) No reference to a Federal integrity commission in policy documents. |
| United Australia Party | National Policy No reference to a Federal integrity commission. |
| Independent Zahra Mustaf (Jaga Jaga) | Zahra Mustaf Policies (webpage) No reference to a Federal integrity commission |
| Australian Federation Party | https://ausfedparty.com.au/policies/ No reference to Federal integrity commission |
| One Nation | Federal Policies (webpage): No reference to a Federal integrity commission. |
7. Political donation law reform
| Party | Extracts from policies |
| Greens | Get Coal and Gas Money Out of Politics (page 2) The Greens will ban all political donations from the fossil fuel sector … Cracking down on donations from coal and gas corporations and other dirty industries will benefit our whole community by improving our confidence in government. The disproportionate influence of political donors on government decisions has stopped Australia from taking strong action to address the climate crisis, respect First Nations communities, or strengthen environmental laws. To curb this influence, the Greens will ban all political donations from the mining, development, tobacco, alcohol, gambling, banking, defence and pharmaceutical industries. The Greens will also cap all other donations at $1,000 per year, require timely disclosure of donations, introduce truth in political advertising laws, and limit the amount that political parties and associated entities can spend on elections to prevent well-resourced parties and lobby groups skewing election outcomes by out-spending minor parties and not-for-profit advocacy groups. These policies will help to ensure that elections are more democratic and representative and that elected governments will work for the people, not the highest bidder. See also Cleaning Up Politics, Reviving Democracy (page 3) Constitutional Reform and Democracy (webpage, dated November 2020) The Australian Greens want: Electoral funding reform that provides for: public funding of political parties and candidates for election campaigns and for the administration of political parties, to be set at a level that ensures proper democratic participation by voters and reduces corporate influence on political decisions; bans on political donations from for-profit corporations; caps on individual political donations (excluding bequests) and donations from not-forprofit organisations; caps on electoral expenditure by parties and candidates and strict limits on third party expenditure and continuous, comprehensive public disclosure of political donations and funding on a public website. |
| Labor | ALP National Platform 2021 page 71: Labor will strengthen and enhance the integrity of Australia’s electoral system through overdue campaign financing reform and by removing barriers to participation in democratic processes for all Australians. We will minimise the disproportionate influence of vested interests in the democratic process by supporting an effective and practical public funding system of elections and limiting the level of federal campaign expenditure, through the introduction of spending caps. In Federal Parliament: Labor introduced a Bill in the Senate to reduce the political donation disclosure threshold to $1,000. Labor also introduced a Bill in the Senate to require disclosure of political donations to the AEC within seven days of receipt. |
| Liberal | No indication of a proposal to change political donations law. |
| Liberal Democrats | Freedom Manifesto (webpage) No reference to political donations law reform. |
| United Australia Party | National Policy No reference to political donations law reform. |
| Independent Zahra Mustaf (Jaga Jaga) | Zahra Mustaf Policies (webpage) No reference to political donations law reform |
| Australian Federation Party | https://ausfedparty.com.au/policies/ No reference to political donations law reform |
| One Nation | Federal Policies (webpage): No reference to political donations law reform. |
Nillumbik Climate Action Team 