Peak body Science and Technology Australia calls for research boost in climate bill

The federal government’s climate change bill should also come with a funding boost for further research into reducing emissions, Australia’s peak science body has urged.

In a submission to a Senate committee examining the legislation, Science and Technology Australia said the bill should also have provisions of funding for future climate science research.

The body also called for an additional commitment to identify and highlight sectors that were making significant efforts to reduce emissions.

The legislation has enshrined a 43 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030, based on 2005 emission levels, along with net-zero by 2050.

The Senate committee is examining the legislation before it will be brought before the upper house for debate as soon as September.

Science and Technology Australia chief executive Mischa Schubert said the peak body supported the legislation, and urged for the transition to be as successful as possible.

“A deeper investment in Australia’s outstanding climate scientists will ensure we continue to have the expertise we need to safeguard our economy, safety and prosperity,” she said.

“We welcome the commitment that the 43 per cent target by 2030 is a floor, not a ceiling, for emissions reduction, and we strongly support ambition to bolster this target in coming years.”

The peak body said the boost to research should also be used to help guide not only the transition to emissions reduction, but also climate adaption and resilience building measures.

The legislation would also require for annual updates to how the government is meeting the climate change targets as outlined in the bill.

Ms Schubert said the statement should include sector-by-sector updates to highlight the areas that were making a successful transition.

“Naming and faming sectors making swift strides towards the target will highlight examples of industry leaders and spur momentum in Australia’s transition,” she said.

“It will also send a message that we are all working together to achieve a common goal and making genuine progress.”

The chief executive also raised the possibility of the annual statement including an update on developments in climate science.

“Parliamentarians and the public can be assured policy decisions are informed by the latest science,” she said.

The first public hearing for the bill inquiry will be held in Canberra on Thursday.