Dear Darren,

I am writing to convey my great concern that Australian politicians are still not responding adequately to the climate emergency, which disproportionately affects rural and remote populations, and is universally recognised amongst public health experts as the greatest global health threat of the 21st century.

In its comprehensive policy document ‘Healthy, Regenerative and Just’, the Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA) called for a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels by 2030, with net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. This is also the target agreed upon by the Climate Council.

In stark contrast to the above calls, the Australian Government is currently only aiming for a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels by 2030.

Worse, the Australian Government continues to approve new fossil fuel projects, and continues to subsidise the fossil fuel industry on a massive scale. Some governments have chosen to criminalise climate action protests rather than take meaningful action.

Despite the fact that we are in a global health emergency, the response of all levels of government in Australia has been inadequate to date. We need an immediate, rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This is not close to happening.

The climate change position statement on your website (from April 2022) is alarmingly out of step with the evidence (eg it calls for net zero by 2050). Your focus on the welfare of fossil fuel industry workers is very important, as a ‘just transition’ for these workers and their families will be essential.

Please outline what you are doing to expedite a rapid exit from fossil fuel dependency in Australia.

Best regards,

Dr Rob Phair