October 2024 Multi-Sectoral Roundtable:
Thank you to everyone who joined us for last Thursday's Quarterly Roundtable. These sessions are an opportunity for our community to share updates, exchange ideas, and strengthen our collective efforts to raise Australia's climate ambition. It was wonderful to hear about the current priorities of our sector working groups and to explore ways to get involved in initiatives that align with your interests and expertise.
Catch Up on What You Missed
Highlights from the Roundtable
Community Feedback:
We conducted a quick poll during the Roundtable to prioritise our shared advocacy efforts for the next six months. Here are the key takeaways:
- Top Priorities: Repowering Homes and Communities; and Climate Safe and Climate Ready Communities
- High Priority: Just Transitions in Green Metals; and Manufacturing, and Clean Industries, Manufacturing & Exports
- Other Areas: Building an Inclusive & Clean Energy Workforce; and Co-Hosting a Positive Oceania COP31.
Better Futures Forum Partner Reflections
Renew Australia for All:
- Sawsan shared that Renew Australia for All’s household decarbonisation package remains a primary focus, particularly as a response to the cost-of-living crisis. Upcoming assemblies and town halls in key constituencies aim to gather community support for the campaign.
The Next Economy:
- Saideh and Jacqui reflected on a recent discussion at the Better Futures Forum that explored strategies to overcome barriers to workforce inclusion, such as challenges faced by migrant communities and the long-term unemployed.
CSIRO:
- Grace highlighted the value of the Better Futures Forum for CSIRO's Net Zero Mission, particularly in connecting with community leaders to ensure that its strategies reflect regional and community-level insights.
Sector Working Group Updates
Local Government:
- Scott McHenry (EAGA) highlighted the launch of the Local Government Climate Review, with support from Minister Kristy McBain at the Better Futures Forum.
- He also shared the group's focus on multi-level governance and upcoming engagements to further integrate local councils into sectoral climate pathways.
Corporate and Finance:
- Andrew Petersen (Business Council for Sustainable Development) discussed new initiatives on responsible climate policy engagement, positioning Australia as a test location for global strategies.
- Bethany Richards (Investor Group on Climate Change) reported on the success of the "Climate Action Pays Off" campaign.
Nature-Based Solutions & Land Use:
- Debbie Medaris (Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists) presented the Blueprint to Prepare Australia’s Landscape, which links carbon sequestration, climate resilience, and regional economic benefits.
Health:
- Hannah Morrice (Melbourne University) introduced the Idle Off campaign aimed at reducing vehicle emissions around schools to improve children’s respiratory health. Additionally, the Health group continues to advocate for implementation of the National Health and Climate Strategy, and embedding a “health in all policies” approach.
Transport:
- Lily Rau (Climateworks) provided an update on the anticipated Transport Pathways to Net Zero and shared reduced travel demand and shifts to cleaner transport modes as current priorities outlined in the Transport Working Group’s joint statement to the government.
What's Next?
In the coming weeks, we encourage you to collaborate on pre-budget submissions and preparations for Minister Bowen's Annual Climate Statement. Sector Working Groups are convening to advance specific advocacy initiatives, with plans to launch a national Mission 2025 campaign with the Corporate and Finance group soon. Watch this space.
We value your insights and participation. If you have ideas or would like to get more involved, please contact us or join an upcoming sector working group meeting.