2025-09-05
The Greens are warning the Albanese Government not to fall for Business Council of Australia (BCA) spin after it claims ambitious climate action will cost Australia hundreds of billions of dollars.
The modelling, prepared by McKinsey & Company, has been criticised for conservative assumptions that inflate the costs of cutting pollution, underplaying the benefits of renewables and clean industries, and for not including the cost of climate inaction.
Senator Steph Hodgins-May said Australians should not trust the same consultants who have repeatedly worked to shield fossil fuel interests.
The decision on Australia’s 2035 climate target, due later this month, will show whether the government sides with vested interests or with science and the community.
Lines attributable to Australian Greens assistant spokesperson for climate and energy, Senator Steph-Hodgins-May:
“McKinsey has a long history of fudging the numbers to protect fossil fuel companies.
“Their models downplay renewables, rely on offsets, and always come back with the same story: that action is too hard, too expensive, or too soon. That’s rubbish.
“The truth is the exact opposite, stronger climate action creates more jobs and more investment. Every credible study shows that the economic benefits of clean energy far outweigh the long-term costs of clinging to coal and gas.
“What’s missing is the political will to stand up to the fossil fuel lobby, ignore industry spin, and back the industries of the future by setting a science-based, ambitious 2035 target.
“Anything less will sell out our kids’ future and lock in more floods, fires and heatwaves.”