Amends the Climate Change Act 2022 to: require decision-makers to consider the health and wellbeing of children in Australia when making significant decisions; and require decision-makers not to make significant decisions in relation to the exploration or extraction of coal, oil or natural gas if the decision poses a material risk of harm to the health and wellbeing of children in Australia.
The bill should be supported because it addresses the urgent need to consider the long-term impacts of climate change on future generations. By embedding the principle of intergenerational equity into legislative decision-making, the bill promotes sustainable development and environmental justice. It ensures that decisions likely to increase greenhouse gas emissions are scrutinized for their potential harm to young people, who will bear the brunt of climate change impacts. This approach aligns with international agreements like the Rio Declaration and reflects a commitment to protecting the rights of children as recognized in recent global human rights discussions [Judgment]. By giving children a say in decisions that affect their future, the bill strengthens democratic processes and accountability.
The bill should be opposed because it could impose excessive constraints on economic development and the rights of industries to operate freely. By preventing decision-makers from approving projects involving the extraction of coal, oil, or gas, the bill may hinder Australia's energy sector and economic growth, potentially leading to job losses and economic instability [Judgment]. Furthermore, the bill creates new bureaucratic layers that may slow down decision-making processes. The broad scope of what constitutes 'significant decisions' could lead to increased litigation and administrative burdens, diverting resources from more productive uses [Judgment].
2023-08-03
Senate
Before Senate
POCOCK, Sen David
Unspecified
Climate Change / Environment, Discrimination / Human Rights, Democratic Institutions
An explainer of the bill with quotes from a young advocate.