The move has drawn criticism from environmental campaigners.
The target will be pursued through five priority areas: expanding clean electricity, reducing emissions via electrification and efficiency, advancing clean fuel, accelerating deployment of new technologies, and scaling up net carbon removals. These measures build on existing climate and energy policies.
To support the plan, the government has introduced several funding programs. A A$5 billion ($3.3 billion) Net Zero Fund within the National Reconstruction Fund will assist industrial facilities in decarbonisation and promote renewable and low-emission manufacturing. An additional A$2 billion will go to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to help reduce electricity prices, while A$1.1 billion is allocated to expand domestic production of clean fuels. Other initiatives include A$40 million to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicle charging stations, A$85 million to improve household and business energy performance, and A$50 million to help sports clubs reduce emissions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese presented the target, stating: “This is a responsible target supported by science and a practical plan to get there, built on proven technology.” Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen explained that the lower end of the range reflects a more realistic pathway, compared with higher levels modelled by the treasury department.
Australia has committed previously to a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The new 2035 goal expands on that pledge as the country responds to increasing climate-related challenges, including severe droughts, bushfires, record floods, and widespread coral bleaching at the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.
Environmental groups have raised concerns about the new plan. World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia CEO Dermot O’Gorman said the target was “dangerously short of what the science demands.” Greenpeace Australia head of Pacific Shiva Gounden added: “The Albanese government’s new climate plan is an affront to communities across the Pacific and Australia facing the escalating impacts of dangerous climate change.”
The 2035 target has been viewed by the government as a balanced approach combining ambition with practical measures. While some international and domestic voices have called for deeper cuts, officials emphasize that the chosen range is designed to be achievable while maintaining economic stability and fostering investment in clean technologies.
