Australian communities are leading the way in climate action and the shift to renewable energy. We’re working to ensure that migrant, low-income families and remote communities aren’t left behind in the energy transition. We’re pushing the Australian Government to lead with more decisive action on climate. We’re listening to and learning from First Nations knowledge and leadership. We’re joining with our neighbours in the Pacific to accelerate global climate action.
These are just a few themes from the third Better Futures Forum, held last week at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia in Canberra (10-11 September 2024).
At the first Better Futures Forum in 2021, we were deep in “the climate wars” as Australia lagged behind in its climate commitments. At the second Better Futures Forum in 2022, we encouraged a new federal government to have greater ambition and build on its mandate for change. By 2024, Australia's climate agenda is finally taking shape. We learned how Australia’s public and private sector organisations and everyday heroes are responding to the climate impacts, driving innovative solutions across all levels of society and the economy, from the ground up. By showcasing real-world examples, we called on the Australian Government to catch up and demonstrate true global leadership with decisive action.
This is Australia’s story of shared prosperity, future industries, and resilient communities.
Over two sunny days, during a parliamentary sitting week, with the stage of the National Film and Sound Archive, voices across sports, arts, academia, all levels of government, industry, First Nations-led organisations, investors, charities and community organisations, came together to share and shape this ambitious new Australian story. As Jared Huntley from Australia's Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water put it,
... a melting pot of ideas, outrage and optimism for the future”.
Heidi Lee from Beyond Zero Emissions reflected on the event, noting,
Each narrative underscored the urgent need for innovative climate solutions and highlighted the incredible efforts of governments, industry and communities working together to drive change”.
Laurence Tubiana, the Paris Climate Agreement architect gave an online presentation at the forum, calling for Australia to strengthen its climate target as a “political and moral imperative.” The recent BFA open letter to Minister Chris Bowen, calls on the Australian Government to raise its 2030 national climate target (Nationally Determined Contribution) from 43% to 75% below 2005 levels, aligning with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.
This sentiment is further echoed in the media coverage of our collective efforts to advance Australia’s climate goals (AAP Coverage).
An Assembly for Action
The forum provided a rare opportunity for reflection and action, bringing together expertise from various fields. Kylie Turner from Climateworks Centre, who moderated the Opportunities for decarbonisation with State and Territory policy makers, appreciated the time for exploration, saying,
Thanks Better Futures Australia for giving us the space to explore what’s possible when ‘we think we can’.
This spirit of possibility was further enriched by the proactive presence of the Wattle Fellows from the University of Melbourne, who captured the content workshopped during the afternoon breakout sessions. Insights from these sessions is informing our ongoing policy advocacy initiatives leading up to the Federal election and a potential Oceania COP31 in 2026. For further detail on these sessions, please visit our webpage summary here.
Making Hope Practical
A standout session focused on Planetary Health Equity and the wellbeing economy, which are central to the systemic changes we can and should be making for a safe climate. ANU Professor Sharon Friel captured the essence of the Forum’s mission, stating,
Let's make hope practical rather than despair convincing".
This approach to climate action was also highlighted during discussions on what climate leadership looks like across Australia, with divergent voices from sport, local Government, the arts, healthcare and First Nations (EcoVoice Article).
It’s not the ‘clean’ economy—it’s just the economy.”
That sentiment, voiced by Jorge Chapa, echoed throughout the forum, particularly during the expert panel discussion on the Climate Change Authority’s Sector Pathways Review, released on 5 September. The review outlines emissions pathways across six major sectors for Australia to reach net zero by 2050. It comes amid growing calls for Minister Bowen to fast-track Australia’s net zero target to 2035. Luke Menzel, CEO of the Energy Efficiency Council, summed up the urgency: “A zero-carbon mindset must become the new normal… permeating operational, policy, and investment decisions across all sectors.”
The forum also served as the launchpad for the Repower Our Homes campaign. More than 3 million Australian households have already reduced their power bills through rooftop solar, saving an average of $1,390 per year, but many renters, apartment dwellers, and social housing tenants have been left behind. Michele O'Neil, President of the ACTU, addressed this in her keynote speech, calling for Australians to “take back control of our power and our power bills.”
Assistant Climate Change and Energy Minister Josh Wilson highlighted how the government is working to address these challenges, with initiatives like the National Energy Performance Strategy and the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative. Wilson acknowledged the need for more support for vulnerable households and commended Better Futures Australia for galvanising local action to drive national ambition.
Learn more about the forum's impact on climate policy and community engagement through coverage of the launch of the 2024 Local Government Climate Review here (the Wire).
Our Legacy and What’s Next
Christian Hampson from Yerrabingin posed the critical question during his opening keynote address,
What sort of ancestor do we want to be?”
This question not only reflects Better Futures Australia’s commitment to future generations but also challenges us to continue building on the momentum from the forum. As we look ahead, our focus is on strengthening partnerships and enhancing policy recommendations that support a fair transition to a zero-emissions future. Ideas shared through the forum for the best pathways forward have been widely recognised and discussed in the media, underscoring the critical role of events like BFF in shaping national and global climate action (AAP Coverage, The Mandarin on COP31 efforts).
Better Futures Australia remains committed to enhancing our collaboration with all sectors and all levels of government, to foster a climate-resilient and zero emissions future. We will look to the outcomes from the forum to drive forward our advocacy priorities, focusing on empowering businesses and communities to take ambitious actions, support climate-friendly policies, and ensuring that all Australians can participate meaningfully in our transition to a zero-emissions and prosperous future.
For a more detailed insight into the key policy recommendations and advocacy priorities that emerged from the Better Futures Forum, you can explore our session summary through the link here.
What’s Next for BFA?
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Pre-Budget Submissions: We are incorporating the outcomes from the forum’s breakout sessions into upcoming submissions, which focus on energy upgrades, clean industries, climate change adaptation, and resilience measures for climate-safe communities and nature-based solutions. For further detail, view our breakout discussion summaries here.
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Keeping 1.5°C Alive: As part of the global Mission 2025 campaign, we will continue pushing for 1.5°C-aligned climate targets ahead of COP29 in Azerbaijan and Minister Bowen’s Annual Climate Statement in November. Read more about our open letter to Bowen in AAP.
Media Coverage
Despite the busy parliamentary week, media representatives from Australian Associated Press (AAP) and The Mandarin attended both days of the forum, resulting in national coverage. Highlights included interviews with delegates on ABC Radio, WIN TV News, the National Indigenous Radio Service, and The Wire.
The forum provided a platform for climate champions from all walks of life, including AFL players from Footy for Climate, doctors from Doctors for the Environment Australia, First Nations leaders from Original Power who are building Australia’s first Indigenous-owned, grid-connected solar farm, and many more—from local councils, unions, farmers, and parliamentarians.
For further details on our media engagements and to access the plenary session recordings from the forum, subscribe to our mailing list for updates.
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