A climate change strategy for all Canberrans
ACTCOSS welcomes the strong emphasis on equity, wellbeing and resilience in the discussion paper for the ACT Climate Change Strategy 2026–35.
The impacts of climate change are not evenly distributed in society. As with most crises, there is an outsize effect for those already experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, like health vulnerabilities, insecure housing, and social isolation.
However, the ACT Government needs to do more work to ensure that the Strategy’s focus on equity is translated clearly into action.
The ACT cannot achieve its vision of an equitable, climate‑ready future without a strong, well‑resourced and climate-resilient community sector. The sector plays an integral role supporting Canberrans experiencing disadvantage, including in the face of extreme weather events and disasters.
The sector also plays a key role in representing the concerns of vulnerable ACT residents. The impact of climate change mitigation, including decarbonisation, must not fall unevenly on the most vulnerable people in the ACT.
Successful climate action in the ACT will need substantial efforts from the community sector. These efforts should be accurately represented in the Strategy and all climate planning.
Summary of recommendations
- Recommendation 1: Equity must translate into well‑planned and adequately funded measures, rather than remaining a high‑level principle.
- Recommendation 2: The strategy needs to articulate the role of government in creating the enabling conditions and incentives needed for system‑wide change.
- Recommendation 3: For the Strateg
y to succeed, it must explicitly recognise, fund and partner with the community sector as a central delivery mechanism for climate resilience across the Territory. - Recommendation 4: Ensure equity in the energy transition.
- Recommendation 5: Better account for intergenerational equity.
We thank the ACT Government for the opportunity to provide input on the Climate Change Strategy for the ACT and the action plans for the next ten years.
This submission is co-signed by Energy Consumers Australia (ECA). ECA are a not-for-profit organisation who advocate for the interests of energy consumers. We also thank all the members who contributed to this submission, and who raised important issues about the community sector’s role in supporting climate transition and mitigation, including capacity, funding and skills.
Please download the full submission below, and read more about how to support climate change mitigation and adaptation for all the people of the ACT.
