The Northern Territory government has announced that it will not pursue the 2030 emissions reduction target it had previously pledged before the last NT election.
Six weeks before the 2024 territory election, the Country Liberal Party (CLP), then in opposition, committed to reducing the NT’s greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030. This pledge contrasted with Territory Labor, which did not offer a 2030 emissions target. However, both parties committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Following its victory in the 2024 election, ending eight years in opposition, the CLP — led by Lia Finocchiaro — was praised by the Environment Centre NT for having “the strongest climate policy” of the two major parties.
Now in government, the CLP has also decided to abandon the territory’s 50% renewable energy target for 2030, calling it an “unrealistic and failed policy.” During NT budget estimates, Environment Minister Josh Burgoyne confirmed that the previously promised 2030 emissions target is no longer part of government policy, although the net zero by 2050 target remains unchanged.
Australia’s national commitment under the Paris Agreement requires a 43% reduction in emissions from 2005 levels by 2030. While in opposition, the CLP had supported Labor’s legislated 50% renewable energy goal but reversed that stance after taking office.
At a recent CLP central council meeting, party members passed a motion advocating for the abandonment of the net zero target and withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. CLP Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price echoed this sentiment on social media, arguing that the current climate policies place an undue burden on everyday Australians and harm the economy and way of life, despite the importance of environmental stewardship.
Despite this internal party push, Mr Burgoyne stated in budget estimates that the NT government remains committed to its net zero target. He said there has been “no formal information” from his department suggesting any change to this position.
During the budget hearings, Paul Purdon, the NT government’s executive director of environment, explained that the department is nearing completion of an initial assessment of climate risks in the territory. This assessment will examine factors such as public health, economic stability, and preparedness for natural disasters, with a focus on maintaining the NT’s future livability.
When questioned about the lack of budget funding for climate mitigation, Mr Burgoyne explained that the government first needs to complete this risk assessment to ensure that future policies appropriately address the specific challenges facing the NT.
