16 Apr 2025
With the federal election fast approaching, cost of living, housing and energy are dominating the national conversation. These issues are deeply personal for many Australians. And while climate change may not be receiving the same airtime as in previous campaigns, the need for strong climate policy has never been more urgent. Addressing both climate mitigation and adaptation is critical, not just for our environment, but for our economy, our communities and our future.
We are already seeing shifts at the state level. In Western Australia, the recent election returned a Roger Cook-led Labor government with a clear mandate to build more homes and invest in public infrastructure. Premier Cook has moved quickly, launching a public sector reform agenda aimed at delivering on these commitments.
This moment presents a significant opportunity. The right climate policies can help tackle some of the major issues being discussed by our political leaders at this election. Climate action can go hand in hand with easing cost of living pressures, delivering better housing, and strengthening the energy system.
A national plan to deliver zero carbon ready, climate resilient buildings, supported by programs to retrofit existing homes and buildings, will help reduce household energy bills and ease pressure on the grid.
As we build the thousands of new homes Australia needs, making sure they are energy efficient, all electric and climate ready will help avoid even greater retrofit costs down the line, while also supporting our transition to net zero.
Certainty and consistency in climate targets and policy, backed by transparency and disclosure, will also position Australia to attract a meaningful share of the $3.3 trillion global surge in sustainable finance.
Read GBCA 's federal election policy prioritiesThe NSW Government has released its Net Zero Government Operations Policy to encourage its agencies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to NSW’s emissions reduction targets. The policy requires agencies to develop net zero transition plans and sets NABERS and Green Star requirements for a range of government buildings and tenancies.
Find out moreThe Victorian Government has announced that support for installing ceiling insulation will be included in the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program from early 2026.
The initiative will cut the average cost of installing ceiling insulation in eligible homes by around 50 per cent, helping households lower their energy bills by approximately $400 a year and improve year-round comfort.
Read our media releaseThe recent release of two documents mark important steps forward in the decarbonisation of the built environment. A new report ‘A Solid Foundation: A Common Definition for Net Zero Infrastructure and How to Get There’ has been produced by Infrastructure Net Zero, a coalition of leading government and industry bodies, hosted by the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC). Our upfront opportunity: Australia’s policy roadmap to reduce upfront embodied carbon in the built environment, is a comprehensive policy framework led by ASBEC, which aims to support government and industry efforts to reduce upfront embodied carbon in buildings and infrastructure.
See A Solid Foundation See Our Upfront OpportunityGBCA has launched its latest practical guide - A practical guide to circular procurement for new buildings and major refurbishments, providing the property and construction industry with clear steps for embedding circular strategies into procurement practices. The guide aligns with government policy priorities and addresses real-world industry needs.
Find the guide Find more practical guides from GBCA hereGBCA contributes to federal, state and local government and industry consultations. Consultations currently underway include Victoria’s draft 30-year infrastructure strategy and climate change strategy 2026-30, while City of Sydney is inviting input on a new environmental strategy and all-electric development.
See previous GBCA submissionsNational:
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