Labor is for a Sustainable Environment
Since coming to office in 2007, Labor has put its commitment to tackling climate change and protecting our precious environment into action.
Labor's first act after coming into government in 2007 was to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, and Labor has signed up to the second commitment period too.
Human-induced climate change is real and it is happening now. Like many other countries, Australia is acting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with a price on carbon.
Labor's clean energy plan cuts carbon pollution and invests in clean energy like wind and solar by making the big polluters pay for the pollution they create. By 2020 at least 20% of Australia's electricity will come from renewable energy sources.
Australian families are being helped out with tax cuts, higher pension payments and increased family payments while Australian jobs are supported in the transition to a clean energy economy.
Since the introduction of the price on carbon last year, inflation has stayed low, unemployment has stayed low and investment is strong. This makes a mockery of the Liberal Party's prediction that the price on carbon would be a "wrecking ball" to our economy.
The carbon price is embedded in the economy, it is working to reduce emissions and that is why Labor will always support a price on carbon to combat climate change.
After decades of mismanagement and disagreement on how to manage the Murray Darling Basin, Labor has locked in a plan that restores the rivers to health.
Labor's bold vision for reconnecting the Australian landscape through a network of national parks and reserves across Australia is becoming a reality. A network of wildlife corridors is being established across Australia that will benefit our native animals and environment meaning our grandkids can enjoy the same beautiful places we grew up with.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia's greatest national icons. But it's under increasing pressure from climate change, catchment runoff and outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish. That's why Labor is investing in the Reef Rescue program to improve the Reef’s overall health, working with communities along the length of the Reef to improve water quality and increase its resilience.
Labor has established the world’s most comprehensive network of national parks in the ocean. These marine reserves will conserve the plants and animals found in them.
It's important our oceans are also protected to ensure a sustainable future for the fishing industry and for people who love to fish.
Most marine reserves which affect charter and recreational activities are 200km from shore, meaning very few recreational fishers are impacted.
Our oceans and local fishing industry are also better protected after Labor banned the super trawler FV Abel Tasman from operating in Australian waters.
Labor has added Ningaloo Reef and Koongarra within Kakadu to the World Heritage list and has recommended an expansion of Tasmania’s World Heritage Area, completing the protection for these precious areas started by the Hawke and Keating governments.