Clean Economy Jobs Act 2024 (Qld)

Clean Economy Jobs Act 2024

An Act to provide for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland by stating emissions reduction targets and for related purposes

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Clean Economy Jobs Act 2024.

2 Main purpose of Act The main purpose of this Act is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland by stating emissions reduction targets.

3 Act binds all persons This Act binds all persons, including the State.

4 Definitions The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular words used in this Act.

Part 2 Emissions reduction targets

5 Emissions reduction targets (1) The emissions reduction targets are that— (a) by 30 June 2030, net greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland are reduced to an amount that is at least 30% below the net greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland for 2005; and (b) by 30 June 2035, net greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland are reduced to an amount that is at least 75% below the net greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland for 2005; and (c) by 30 June 2050, net greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland are reduced to zero (the 2050 net zero emissions target). (2) The emissions reduction targets include the 2040 interim target and the 2045 interim target decided under section 6 by the Minister.

6 Deciding interim targets (1) The Minister must decide— (a) a target for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland for 2040 (the 2040 interim target); and (b) a target for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland for 2045 (the 2045 interim target). (2) Each interim target must be expressed as a percentage for the amount by which net greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland are to be reduced below the net greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland for 2005. (3) The Minister must decide— (a) the 2040 interim target by 31 December 2030; and (b) the 2045 interim target by 31 December 2035. (4) In deciding each interim target, the Minister must consider the following matters— (a) the progress made towards achieving other emissions reduction targets; (b) the ways in which the interim target can contribute to achieving the 2050 net zero emissions target; (c) the extent to which the interim target is reasonably achievable; (d) the potential of the interim target to create employment opportunities, including in industries emerging as a result of actions being taken to achieve other emissions reduction targets or to address climate change; (e) the economic, financial, social and environmental impact the interim target may have in Queensland, including any impact on communities, industries and rural and regional areas; (f) any national and international policies relating to climate change; (g) any relevant and current scientific knowledge relating to climate change; (h) the views of community stakeholders, including Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islander peoples and industry. (5) Subsection (4) does not limit the matters the Minister may consider in deciding each interim target. (6) As soon as practicable after deciding each interim target, the Minister must— (a) table the target in the Legislative Assembly; and (b) publish the target on the Queensland government website.