The 3 levels of government in Australia all contribute to the Australian community’s ability to mitigate and adapt to climate change. All levels are responsible for managing risks to public infrastructure and the environment, delivering government services, and creating the institutional, market and regulatory environment that supports and promotes resilience and action among individuals and groups. One of the most important roles of governments is to ensure that society has the information required to make informed decisions and adjust behaviours in response to climate risks.
As discussed previously, the Australian Government is responsible for an overarching policy implemented through a range of strategies and plans, and plays a major part in providing climate science and information. The government is responsible for maintaining a strong, flexible economy and well-targeted safety net to ensure that climate change does not disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. It works to ensure effective natural resource management across land, water, marine and coral reef systems, and considers the economy-wide implications of actions determined at local and regional levels (Australian Government 2015b).
Through planning laws and investments in public infrastructure, state and territory governments lead adaptation actions. They ensure that regulatory and market frameworks are in place that ensure accurate and regionally appropriate information, and delivery of adaptation responses within their jurisdiction. This includes delivery of essential services such as emergency services, environmental protection, and planning and transport. Table ATM2 lists examples of key climate change policies and strategies established at the state and territory level.
Local governments are at the forefront in responding to the impacts of climate change. They are well positioned to inform the state, territory and Australian governments about the on-ground needs of local and regional communities, to communicate directly with those communities, and to respond to local changes. They ensure that particular local circumstances are considered in the overall adaptation response and involve the local community directly in efforts to facilitate effective change.
Coordination between Australian, state and territory governments occurs though the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). In 2013, COAG articulated the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government for climate change adaptation (Australian Government 2013). Under the COAG Energy Council’s work program, the NEPP is an example of bringing together new and existing measures from across governments and industry to improve energy efficiency, and thus reduce emissions associated with energy production.
Collaboration between state, territory and local governments is also important to successful climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Victorian Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with 79 local councils to promote this collaboration. Council Connections is a peer-to-peer learning program for local government practitioners who are undertaking work in the adaptation field. In Queensland, the Coastal Hazards Adaptation Program (QCoast2100) supports coastal councils in identifying coastal hazards and climate change risks, and in the decision-making and implementation phases.
Climate change will have significant impacts on urban centres around the world, prompting the formation of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, of which Melbourne and Sydney metropolitan councils are members. C40 is a network of almost 90 of the world’s megacities that are taking action to reduce GHGs.
Table ATM2 State and territory policies and strategies
|
State/territory |
Policy or strategy |
|---|---|
|
Australian Capital Territory |
|
|
New South Wales |
|
| Northern Territory |
|
|
Queensland |
|
|
South Australia |
|
|
Tasmania |
|
|
Victoria |
|
|
Western Australia |
|
Dr Melita Keywood
Dr Kathryn Emmerson
Dr Mark Hibberd
