When Australians elected a Labor government on 3 May, I’m sure there was hope among climate-conscious voters that meaningful action on climate change would follow.
But how much of that hope will actually turn into policy? And what does a Labor win really mean for Australia’s climate future?
While Labor has made progress by increasing emissions reduction targets, boosting renewables, and investing in climate-related infrastructure, critics argue they’re still falling short, especially with continued support for fossil fuel projects.
Labor’s Climate Commitments: On Paper vs In Practice
When Anthony Albanese claimed victory on Saturday, climate change was barely mentioned, just a brief line tucked into a broader speech focused on unity and opportunity:
“We will be a government … for every Australian who knows that climate change is a challenge we must act together to meet for the future of our environment, and knows the fact that renewable energy is an opportunity we must work together to seize, for the future of our economy”
It’s a far cry from the bold language of his 2022 speech, where he declared:
“Together we can end the climate wars. Together we can take advantage of the opportunity for Australia to be a renewable energy superpower.”
The shift in tone reflects a government caught between progress and political caution, trying to move forward without rocking the boat too much.
Labor’s 2022 climate policy platform included a promise to cut emissions by 43% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels), net zero by 2050, and a significant ramp-up of renewable energy infrastructure. Compared to the Coalition’s previous targets and inaction, this was a dramatic improvement.
Since then, we’ve seen:
- The Climate Change Act 2022 enshrined in law
- Increased investment in clean energy (through the Rewiring the Nation plan and the Capacity Investment Scheme)
- A stronger safeguard mechanism to cap big polluters’ emissions
But…it hasn’t all been smooth sailing.
Labor continues to support new gas and coal developments, such as the Beetaloo Basin and the Narrabri gas project. Critics argue this undermines the credibility of their climate agenda, especially in a climate emergency.
TL;DR: Labor has introduced stronger climate laws and invested in renewables, but ongoing fossil fuel support weakens their credibility.
What Labor’s Climate Agenda Means for Everyday Australians
A Labor government typically translates to more government spending on renewable energy, electrification, and climate resilience. This includes:
- Cheaper solar panels and batteries for homes
- Support for electric vehicles (EVs), including rebates and charging infrastructure
- Green job creation in clean energy sectors
- Funding for disaster preparedness and climate adaptation
For households, this means potential savings on power bills and new opportunities to participate in the clean energy transition. But there’s still a lack of urgency when it comes to transitioning away from coal and gas.
TL;DR: Labor’s policies can help households save money and reduce emissions, but deeper structural changes are needed.
Is Labor Doing Enough?
Not yet.
While the current government has moved Australia away from outright climate denialism, many experts argue that the scale and speed of action still lag behind what’s needed to meet the Paris Agreement goals.
Concerns include:
- Approving or not blocking new fossil fuel projects
- Lack of a clear fossil fuel phase-out timeline
- Australia’s position as a major fossil fuel exporter
- Inadequate support for regional communities transitioning away from coal and gas
Climate groups and independent MPs continue to push Labor to go further, faster.
TL;DR: Labor is better alternative than the Coalition, but it’s not meeting the scale of the climate crisis. Pressure from the public is crucial.
Why Does Labor Still Support Gas and Coal Projects?
If Labor’s climate policies are meant to cut emissions and ramp up renewables, why are they still approving or backing gas and coal developments?
It’s a question that frustrates climate scientists, voters, and even some Labor MPs. The truth lies in a messy mix of politics, economics, and fear of regional backlash.
The “Gas as a Transition Fuel” Argument
Labor often justifies new gas projects by framing gas as a “transition fuel” – a temporary stopgap that can keep the lights on while renewables and storage technologies scale up. Gas is more flexible than coal and emits less CO₂ when burned, but this argument is increasingly being challenged.
Renewable energy is now the cheapest form of new energy generation in Australia, and battery storage is catching up fast. Meanwhile, gas is still a major source of emissions, especially methane, which is much more potent than CO₂ over the short term.
So while gas might once have had a transitional role, many experts argue that excuse no longer stacks up.
Political Pressure and Regional Jobs
Labor has deep roots in coal and gas regions like the Hunter Valley and Central Queensland. These areas rely heavily on the fossil fuel industry for jobs and income, and any perceived threat to that livelihood can swing votes.
By supporting new fossil fuel projects, Labor tries to walk a fine line – appeasing regional workers while still talking up their climate credentials to urban and younger voters. It’s political tightrope walking, plain and simple.
Exports vs Domestic Emissions
A lot of the coal and gas extracted in Australia is shipped offshore. Labor often sidesteps criticism by arguing that export emissions aren’t counted in Australia’s climate targets under international rules. But from a climate science perspective, carbon is carbon, whether it’s burned in Newcastle or New Delhi.
This loophole lets the government approve new fossil fuel developments while technically still reducing Australia’s domestic emissions. But it undermines global efforts to phase out fossil fuels, and the public is catching on.
Lobbying and Industry Influence
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room. The fossil fuel industry is one of the most powerful lobbies in Australia. From donations to revolving-door relationships between politics and industry, fossil fuel companies have long shaped national policy and they’re not giving up that influence without a fight.
TL;DR: Labor supports coal and gas projects due to political pressure, regional job concerns, and the export loophole in emissions accounting. They call gas a “transition fuel,” but critics argue this is outdated and undermines true climate leadership.
What Can Australians Do to Push for Stronger Climate Action?
It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of government decisions, but public pressure has always played a huge role in shaping climate policy, especially in Australia. From grassroots campaigns to volunteering, Australians have more influence than they often realise.
Here’s how you can push for stronger, faster climate action, no matter your electorate.
1. Join local climate action groups
There are hundreds of community-led groups around the country that are mobilising locally and making national headlines. Joining one gives you a chance to connect with others, amplify your voice, and take meaningful action together.
2. Contact your MP
It sounds old-school, but it works. Politicians tally emails, calls, and petitions from constituents. Whether it’s urging your MP to oppose a gas project or support stronger emissions targets, your voice adds to the chorus that demands accountability.
3. Show up and speak out
Attend protests. Post online. Share facts. Conversations shift public sentiment, which shifts political will. Don’t underestimate the power of public presence, especially when it’s consistent and well-informed.
4. Rethink your own consumption
Individual actions, like reducing meat consumption, flying less, switching to renewable power, or divesting your super from fossil fuels, won’t solve the climate crisis alone. But they do signal market demand, shift norms, and inspire others. And when millions make changes, it adds up.
5. Support climate-conscious businesses
Where you spend your money matters. Support companies that are serious about decarbonisation, sustainability, and ethical practices. Pressure the rest to do better by asking questions, writing reviews, and moving your money elsewhere if needed.
6. Stay informed
The climate crisis isn’t going away and neither should public scrutiny. Follow independent media, listen to climate podcasts, and keep the conversation going. Hope isn’t naïve when it’s paired with action.
TL;DR: Australians can drive change through voting, organising, lobbying, consuming wisely, and staying informed. Collective pressure works—governments listen when enough people demand real climate action.
A Step in the Right Direction, But Not Finished
A Labor win is undeniably a better outcome for climate action than a Coalition one but that doesn’t mean it’s good enough. With communities across Australia already feeling the impacts of climate change, now’s the time for bold leadership, not half-measures. The real power lies with us: to keep pushing, keep demanding, and keep the pressure on.
FAQs about Labor’s Climate Action
Is Labor better for climate action than the Coalition?
Labor generally takes climate change more seriously than the Coalition. Under Labor, Australia has committed to stronger emissions reduction targets, passed the Climate Change Act 2022, and invested billions into clean energy through programs like Rewiring the Nation and the National Reconstruction Fund. The Coalition, by contrast, spent years downplaying climate science, scrapping the carbon price, and stalling progress on renewables.
That said, “better” doesn’t mean “enough.” Labor’s continued support for new coal and gas developments has disappointed climate advocates and scientists who argue that we can’t afford any new fossil fuel projects if we want to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Has Labor made any real progress since coming into power?
Yes. Since forming government, Labor has:
- Legislated Australia’s 2030 and 2050 emissions reduction targets
- Tightened the safeguard mechanism, capping emissions from major polluters
- Increased investment in renewables and transmission infrastructure
- Supported the uptake of electric vehicles with incentives and fuel efficiency standards
- Created the Net Zero Authority to manage the transition for workers and communities
But progress has been patchy. Emissions reductions so far have been modest, and Australia is still a top fossil fuel exporter. Climate experts say current policies are a good start, but far from what’s needed to meet our Paris Agreement commitments.
Is Australia on track to meet its climate targets?
Not yet. While Australia has legislated a 43% emissions reduction target by 2030, current policies are projected to fall short unless major changes are made, especially in energy, transport, and agriculture. Emissions from fossil fuel exports also continue to rise, even if they’re not counted in domestic totals.
Progress is happening, but it’s not fast or deep enough to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.