Australia sets 2035 emissions target at 62–70% below 2005 levels - Lethal Heating Editor BDA

The Federal Government has unveiled a new climate target, committing Australia to cut emissions by 62–70% from 2005 levels by 2035.
The range, described as ambitious but achievable, falls slightly below recommendations from independent climate advisers.
The package includes billions in funding for clean energy, low-carbon fuels, and industrial decarbonisation programs.
Officials emphasised the plan keeps Australia on track for its net-zero by 2050 commitment while balancing economic realities.

2035 Emissions Target

Main decisions

• 2035 target: Set a national emissions reduction target of 62–70% below 2005 levels by 2035. — source: Reuters.
• Net zero reaffirmed: Government reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050. — source: AP News.
• Ambition caveat: Government described the range as the maximum feasible ambition now, saying targets above ~70% are not realistic at present. — source: Reuters.

Funding, programs and specific allocations

• National Reconstruction / Net Zero Fund: $5.0 billion to support industrial decarbonisation and low-emissions manufacturing. — source: BeefCentral (reporting on government package).
• Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC): $2.0 billion additional support to back clean energy projects and help moderate electricity prices. — source: Reuters.
• Clean fuels support: ~$1.1 billion to accelerate local clean fuels production and related industries. — source: BeefCentral.
• EV charging rollout: $40 million to speed kerbside and fast-charger deployment in suburban and regional areas. — source: BeefCentral.
• Household/business energy programs: $85 million for frameworks and tools to help households and businesses lift energy performance. — source: BeefCentral.

Policy levers, sectoral priorities and modelling context

• Electricity transition: Emphasis on scaling renewables, transmission upgrades, storage and household batteries to decarbonise the grid. — source: BeefCentral.
• Electrification & efficiency: Push on electrifying transport and industry, improving appliance and building efficiency and supporting EV uptake (including vehicle standards). — source: BeefCentral.
• Clean fuels and hydrogen: Support for domestic low/zero carbon liquid fuels, hydrogen and other emerging fuels as part of industry decarbonisation. — source: BeefCentral.
• Carbon removals & ACCU reform: Focus on scaling net carbon removals including through landholder programs and improvements to the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) framework. — source: BeefCentral.
• Modelling context: Treasury and Climate Change Authority modelling previously suggested ranges around 65–75% by 2035, so the announced 62–70% sits slightly below some expert upper scenarios. — source: Reuters.
• International timing: The announcement updates Australia’s near-term ambition ahead of upcoming UN climate processes, including COP meetings. — source: Reuters.

Media coverage

• Reuters: Australia announces lower than expected 2035 emissions reduction target of 62%-70% 
  A country has announced a new 2035 emissions reduction target of 62–70% below 2005 levels, a figure lower than some advisory ranges and modelled recommendations.
• AP News: Australia targets at least 62% emissions cut in the next decade 
  Australia has announced a new climate target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 62% to 70% below 2005 levels by 2035, reinforcing its longer-term net-zero commitment.
• The Daily Telegraph: Anthony Albanese announces a 62 to 70 per cent emissions reduction target 
  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a national emissions reduction target of 62% to 70% by 2035, framed as part of the pathway to net zero by 2050.
• The Australian: Emissions reduction target for 2035 set at between 62% to 70% 
  On 18 September 2025 the federal government announced a new 2035 emissions reduction target aiming for a 62%–70% cut from 2005 levels.
• news.com.au: 2035 climate target: Treasury warns of hit to living standards in disorderly transition 
  A Treasury report published with the government's updated 2035 target warns of severe economic consequences if the transition to lower emissions is disorderly or delayed.
• ABC News: Business and climate groups stand at opposite ends on 2035 climate target 
  Climate advocates say the government should aim higher, while business representatives warn that an over-ambitious target could risk jobs and exports if not managed carefully.
• SBS News: Australia urged to adopt more 'ambitious' emissions reduction target Observers and some climate groups are urging the government to adopt a more ambitious 2035 target, warning that the economic cost of inaction could be far higher in the long term.
• The Guardian: Albanese unveils ‘responsible’ new climate target to slash emissions over next decade
  Australia will aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions between 62% and 70% on 2005 levels by 2035, the PM has announced.

Commentary

Experts and Academia

• Dr. Kat O'Mara, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management and Sustainability at Edith Cowan University, said: "It was pleasing to see that the Prime Minister has acknowledged the need to increase our commitment to reducing carbon emissions, and the impact that our current approach would have on the economy and jobs."
• Professor Deanna D'Alessandro, Director of the Net Zero Institute, University of Sydney, called the announcement a "major opportunity for Australia to use bold solutions for decarbonisation."
• Dr. Wesley Morgan, Research associate from the Institute for Climate Risk & Response at the University of New South Wales, noted that to meet Australia's share of global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C, "our 2035 target should have been a cut of at least 75% on 2005 levels by 2035." 

Advocacy and Environmental Groups

• Climate Analytics said the new target "simply doesn't match the level of action required to stave off many of the extreme climate change impacts warned Australians about in this week's Climate Risk Assessment."
• Greenpeace Australia Pacific stated that the government's plan "prioritizes fossil fuel profits and business interests over people," and effectively abandons Australia's commitment to 1.5°C.
• The Australian Conservation Foundation called the target "timid" and argued that the range "condemns Australian communities to ongoing climate harm and is embarrassing in the face of the climate leadership being shown by our Pacific neighbours and states like Victoria and New South Wales. 

Political Leaders

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, "This is a responsible target backed by the science, backed by a practical plan to get there and built on proven technology."
• Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the target "fails on both counts" when it came to cost and credibility, adding, "you cannot trust a single thing this government says".
• Greens Senator Larissa Waters said the government's "actual target was 62%, which she described as 'appallingly low'," and that "Labor have sold out to the coal and gas corporations with this utter failure of a climate target."

Media and Commentators

• Michelle Grattan, a Professorial Fellow at the University of Canberra and commentator for Australian Geographic, wrote that the "wide range seeks to straddle, to the extent possible, those in business pressing for the target to be kept relatively modest and environmentalists who want more ambition".
• Giles Parkinson, editor of RenewEconomy, wrote that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese "has set a 2035 emissions reduction target of 62 to 70 per cent, at the lower end of expectations following an intense campaign by big business interests, and despite a catastrophic forecast of climate impacts released earlier this week".