Dear Friend,

A belated happy New Year to you! As we kick off 2025, your unwavering support and active engagement continue to fuel our mission to drive ambitious national climate action. This year, we are spotlighting the critical contributions of our community—including dedicated business leaders, investors, local government, and community champions—to share a crucial message:

Australia's economy and future depend on us all delivering science-aligned national climate policy.

We are also busy preparing for two major events during Climate Action Week Sydney, starting March 10. Keep reading to find out how you can join us.

🌏 ON OUR AGENDA 🌏

\\\ Mission 2025: A Unified Call for Action

Corporate climate action is certainly a topic in the media of late, and we must admit, our Mission 2025 work has been stymied slightly by an overall shift in attitude from companies - from keen to wary participation. However, many are still at the table and vocal in their support of the government making plans to update Australia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), or 2035 climate target, this year. From IKEA to Koskela Furniture, influential local government leaders like Sutherland Shire Council, and industry bodies such as the Investor Group on Climate Change and the Materials and Embodied Carbon Leaders Alliance, our members are voicing support for Australia to make science-aligned updates to its national climate plan and seize the opportunities presented by the shift to a clean economy this year.

Please read our media release, “No Time to Backslide” and jump on our socials and share posts from this week.

Support Our Voices: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Twitter/X YouTube

\\\ Updating National Policy and Ambition

Our Sector Working Groups are keeping an eye on updates to Australia's climate targets and engaging with policymakers to make sure our national goals match the latest science and our global promises. The recent steps towards boosting renewable energy upgrades and bringing in new technologies are a good start, but we still have a lot of work to do to make sure these plans are carried out fairly, effectively, and with transparency.

\\\ Navigating the Political Climate

As we approach an election, our focus is on non-partisan advocacy for strong national climate policies. We are committed to representing a broad coalition of voices striving for a climate-resilient future, navigating the shifting political landscape to ensure our advocacy remains impactful and inclusive.

\\\ Empowering the Next Generation

Our internship program thrives with young talents from the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and international universities. These interns gain valuable insights into Australia’s climate and clean energy sectors, supporting our events, enhancing our social media, and driving administrative efforts. Please give them a warm welcome and your support when you meet them.

\\\ ICYMI: Our 2025-26 Pre-Budget Submission

BFA members have submitted proposals for the 2025-26 budget, focusing on critical strategies and policies for a climate-resilient, zero-emissions Australia. Read our submission here.

📅 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES 📅

\\\ BFA Events

Climate Action Week Sydney l March 10 - 14, 2025

Join us at key events during Climate Action Week Sydney:

• Youth Film & Storytelling for Change Workshop - Wednesday, March 12, 2pm - 5:30pm at UTS Future Generations, Balcony Room | Join us at the Youth Film & Storytelling for Change Workshop, where we will engage with youth voices to amplify our Mission 2025 campaign. Through film and storytelling, participants will explore and promote the critical role of business and investment leaders in driving Australia’s climate ambitions.
• Roadmap to a Clean COP31 Panel - Friday, March 14, 8am - 9am, at Lvl 3 Greenhouse, 180 George St | Join panelists in setting the stage for a Clean COP31, advocating for a transparent, fossil-free event that reflects credible leadership from Australia and the Pacific.

For more details and to register, visit caw.sydney/events, Stay tuned for more soon.

\\\ Upcoming Multi-Sectoral Roundtable

Don’t miss our first quarterly roundtable of the year on February 27, 2025, from 1 PM - 2 PM (Sydney/Melbourne time), focusing on the potential for cross-sector collaboration in climate advocacy. RSVP here to secure your spot and be part of these strategic discussions.

Do you have an event to share? Let us know by reaching out to [email protected].

🌱BE PART OF THE SOLUTION 🌱

/// Open Consultations

National Energy Market Review - Initial Consultation

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has set up an independent expert panel to look into the wholesale market settings of the National Energy Market to promote investment in firmed, renewable energy generation and storage. This is to plan for 2027 when the Capacity Investment Scheme tenders conclude. Make your submissions before 14.2.25 here.

Review of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act (2020)

Share your recommendations to improve the efficiency and impact of the Act in addressing current and future circular economy needs, resource recovery and waste challenges. Submit your feedback by 27.02.2025 here.

Offshore decommissioning directorate: stakeholder survey

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has opened a survey into decommissioning offshore energy infrastructure. This directorate forms part of the offshore energy infrastructure decommissioning roadmap that was created by the Federal Government last year. Complete the survey by 28.2.25 here.

UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change - Fossil Fuels based economy and human rights

The UN Special Rapporteur on Climate is calling for inputs into advancing the understanding on how to respect, protect and fulfil human rights, as well as prevent harm and ensure non-discrimination, in the context of a just transition away from fossil fuels and the phase out of fossil fuel subsidies. Make your submissions by 28.2.25 here.

Refrigerant and Extinguishing Agent Permit Schemes

Provide input to the Refrigerant and Extinguishing Agent Permit Schemes to control how ozone depleting and synthetic greenhouse gases regulated under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995 are handled and traded. Submissions close 28.2.25. More information can be found here.

Strategic Examination of R&D

Give feedback on strengthening Australia's National Science and Research Priorities. Submissions close 11.4.25. More information can be found here.

Stay informed on upcoming consultations via consult.dcceew.gov.au.

Thanks for being a part of our community. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, comments or ideas.

Warm regards,

The BFA Team - Lisa, Quimby, Jordan and Ciara
betterfutures.org.au

We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their Elders past and present and are committed to creating better futures together.