Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 29 October 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated a private senator's bill to legally require ministers to take into account children's health and wellbeing when approving projects that increase greenhouse gas emissions. Supporters, including the mover David Pocock and Greens senators, argued the legislation was necessary to address intergenerational injustice and fill a legal gap identified by courts, citing overwhelming public and expert support. The Labor government opposed the bill, arguing that existing policies and targets were sufficient and that an orderly transition prioritising energy security was more effective than new statutory duties. The bill was defeated in the first division, while a motion to proceed immediately was also rejected.

   Outcome: The bill was defeated in the first division with 37 votes against and 23 in favour, and a motion to proceed immediately was rejected with 14 votes in favour and 40 against.

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