Media Statements

Joint Statement - Real solutions to lock in climate action and build Victoria's energy system of the future

Joint Statement – Real solutions to lock in climate action and build Victoria’s energy system of the future

Matthew Guy, Leader of the Opposition

Craig Ondarchie, Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables

James Newbury, Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change

17 July 2022.

Victoria’s pathway to a net-zero emissions future will be guaranteed under a key new commitment announced today by the Victorian Liberals and Nationals.

Currently, Victoria has a legislated net-zero by 2050 emission target but the interim targets are not legislated and therefore not binding in law.

Effective action on climate change will require policy consistency and a clear plan for the future. Interim targets should not be aspirational, they must be fixed and clear.

Therefore, to give the Victorian community the certainty it deserves, a Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will legislate an emission reduction target of 50 per cent by 2030.

This will provide a transparent pathway to net-zero and ensure prompt action is taken to further reduce emissions over coming years.

Victoria needs policy certainty and we will work closely with the New South Wales Coalition Government, who has shown leadership on this issue, to ensure Australia’s two largest economies are aligned.

To support the achievement of Victoria’s 2030 target and ensure the delivery of reliable, affordable and increasingly clean power, a Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will;

  • Establish a $1 billion Victorian Hydrogen Strategy to support the research, development and adoption of clean hydrogen technologies.
  • Unlock 1,800 megawatts of renewable energy by upgrading transmission infrastructure in Western Victoria.
  • Immediately establish a “Fixing Victoria’s Grid” taskforce that partners with industry to develop a plan to modernise our transmission system to make renewables work with a timeline to getting their work done.
  • Legislate a local gas guarantee for new supply within the first six-months of government.

Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy, said this announcement demonstrates the Victorian Liberals and Nationals commitment to effective action on climate change.

“By writing into law an emission reduction of 50 per cent by 2030, we will send the strongest possible signal that action on climate change is a priority.”

“The Liberals and Nationals have a sensible plan and real solutions to build the energy system of the future – meaning more reliable, cheaper and clean power for all Victorians.”

Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables, Craig Ondarchie, said the Liberals and Nationals’ comprehensive plan would keep prices low as Victoria’s energy system transitions.

“Only the Liberals and Nationals will build the energy system of the future by developing new technologies and modernising our transmission networks.”

“Our commonsense plan will keep the lights on and prices low whilst we transition our energy system to renewables.”

Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change, James Newbury, said writing Victoria’s 2030 emission reduction target into law would provide communities confidence and a clear pathway to net-zero.

“The Victorian Liberals and Nationals are serious about climate change and have a sensible plan to achieve net-zero based on real solutions, not ideology.”

“By legislating a 50 per cent target by 2030, we will give communities and businesses the confidence they need as we move to a lower emissions future.”

James Newbury, Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change

Craig Ondarchie, Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables

Matthew Guy, Leader of the Opposition