Premier's Climate Change Council

The Premier's Climate Change Council is a South Australian state government body within the Department for Environment and Water. It was established in 2008 and As of 2024 is chaired by Martin Haese. The Council provides independent advice to the Minister responsible for climate change about matters related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change adaptation.

History

The Premier's Climate Change Council was established by the Government of South Australia under the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007.

The inaugural council was created in February 2008, under the Rann government. The Council's membership represents the business community, the environment and conservation sector, the scientific community and state and local governments.

In 2013, Michelle Lensink MLC questioned the efficacy of the Premier's Climate Change Council, and asked the Minister for the environment, Ian Hunter about the absence of the Council's 2011-12 annual report from the Council's website. In 2013, the Council published "South Australia’s Climate Change Vision: Pathways to 2050" to advise Premier Jay Weatherill and his government on future planning and policy directions for the state.

In 2018, prominent South Australian businessman Martin Haese was appointed as chair, to begin the role in 2019.

In 2019 the Council supported the development of the "Blue Carbon Strategy for South Australia". to help mitigate climate change by protecting the state's blue carbon sinks, including seagrass meadows, saltmarshes, and mangroves.

The Council also supported the development of the "South Australian Government Climate Change Action Plan 2021-2025", which was released in December 2020.

Role

The role of the council is to "provide independent advice to the Minister about matters associated with reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. The Council also takes a leadership role in consulting with and disseminating information to sectors of the community about issues associated with climate change". The primary role of the Council as stated on the government website is to provide independent advice to the Minister for Environment and Water on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.

Membership

Selection criteria

The Act requires the appointment of seven to ten persons by the Minister from state and local government, the business community, the environment and conservation sector, the scientific community, and from other sectors of the South Australian community. The appointment process must take account of: an individual person’s knowledge of and expertise in the subject matter; consultation with the Local Government Association of South Australia and the Conservation Council of South Australia; and must ensure the minimal representation of both genders.

Membership as of 2022

As of 2024 the membership of the Premier's Climate Change Council comprises:

• Martin Haese (Chair)
• Daniel Bennett
• Daniel Conley
• Angela Evans
• Susan Jeanes
• Penny Schulz
• Daniel Spencer
• Jodie van Deventer
• Craig Wilkins

Former members

• Professor Barry Brook

External links

• Premier's Climate Change Council

References