Terms of Reference - 2024-25 independent review of the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008
The Tasmanian Government has a legislative requirement to undertake an independent review of the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008 (the Act) every four years. The Act has been reviewed in 2012, 2016, and 2020. The fourth review is due to start in 2024.
Scope of the review
The Act (subsection 18(2)) states that the review will address:
- the extent to which the objects of the Act are being achieved
- the extent to which additional legislative measures, if any, are considered necessary to achieve the targets set by the Act in the periods contemplated by the Act, including the introduction of performance standards or other mandatory requirements
- such other matters as the Minister may consider relevant to the review of the Act.
The 2024-25 independent review will also:
- review and consult on climate change governance in Tasmania, specifically considering advisory-type bodies in other states and territories, and consult to determine the best model for Tasmania
- review recent climate change legislation in other national jurisdictions and identify if any features exist elsewhere that would improve Tasmania’s Act
- take into account:
- the international, national and state climate change policy context
- the 2020-21 review of the Act
- the existing Act, as amended in 2022
- the current Climate Change Office work program, including the statewide climate change risk assessment, the emissions reduction and resilience plans, and the climate change action plan.
Subsection 18(3) of the Act requires that reasonable steps are taken to ensure that the review of the Act is “carried out in consultation with relevant business, industry, scientific, environmental and community bodies, children and young people, local government, relevant unions, the peak body representing trade unions and the Tasmanian community”.
The Tasmanian Government expects that the independent reviewer will tailor engagement strategies to ensure that children and young people are consulted in a meaningful way.
Principles
The independent reviewer will use the following consultation principles:
- Information – providing balanced and objective information to help stakeholders understand the problem, alternatives, opportunities and solutions.
- Collaboration – sharing ideas, skills and experience, and building relationships to achieve shared goals. Working directly with stakeholders to ensure that their concerns and aspirations are consistently understood and considered.
- Fairness – treating everyone with respect and consistency, and acting equitably. Ensuring accessible and representative engagement.
- Integrity – acting honestly and authentically, and being accountable.
Deliverables
The independent reviewer will provide a written report on the outcome of the review to the Tasmanian Government (subsection 18(4) of the Act).
Subsection 18(5) of the Act states that a copy of the report is to be tabled in each House of Parliament within 10 sitting days after it is provided to the relevant Minister.
Timeline
This suggested timing is dependent on the start date of the review, once approved.
Activity | Date |
|---|---|
Commence procurement for independent reviewer | Dec 2024 |
Start review | Feb 2025 |
Stakeholder consultation | Mar – May 2025 |
Deliver report outlining interim findings to the Minister | May – Jun 2025 |
Deliver final report outlining outcomes and recommendations to the Minister | Jul 2025 |
Governance
Project management
The Climate Change Office in Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania (ReCFIT) will manage the review.
External consultant
The Climate Change Office will engage an external consultant (independent reviewer) through a formal procurement process to deliver the review.