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ARTICLE · 14 NOVEMBER 2025

September 2025 ESG Policy Update—Australia

K&L Gates
K&L Gates
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K&L Gates

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On 18 September 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Australia's commitment to a 62%–70% reduction in emissions by 2035, compared to 2005 levels.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Jim Bulling
Jim Bulling
Clive Cachia
Clive Cachia
Ayman Guirguis
Ayman Guirguis
Lisa Lautier
Lisa Lautier
Adam Levine
Adam Levine
Tom Young
Tom Young
Michael Hain
Michael Hain
Nathan Bodlovich
Nathan Bodlovich
Daniel Nastasi
Daniel Nastasi
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Australian Update

Australia Announces Commitment to a Minimum 62% Cut in Emissions by 2035

On 18 September 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Australia's commitment to a 62%–70% reduction in emissions by 2035, compared to 2005 levels. This target marks a substantial increase from the previous goal of a 43% reduction by 2030. Mr. Albanese, senior ministers, and the Climate Change Authority (CCA) emphasised that the new targets are grounded in scientific evidence and practical planning.

To support this commitment, the Australian government has unveiled an AU$7 billion climate finance package. This includes an AU$5 billion Net Zero Fund within the National Reconstruction Fund, aimed at decarbonising industries, and an additional AU$2 billion for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to advance renewable energy initiatives.

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