2023 was an important year in climate activism. After over eight years of a Liberal National Party federal government, 2022 saw a new Labor government voted in. With a cross-bench of Greens and Independents, this seemed to offer new opportunities for the Australian climate movement. Seizing on these opportunities, the movement demonstrated high levels of engagement with government policy, legislation and “inside-track” tactics in 2023.
There were also core obstacles. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns were still being felt by social movements attempting to organise in local communities. Climate protesters have been increasingly targeted through anti-protest laws in recent years. Many groups also turned their attention and diverted resources to campaigning around the Voice referendum throughout the year.
Core legislation and policy were in focus throughout 2023, including the Safeguard Mechanism, EPBC reforms, and the Capacity Investment Scheme. Major fossil fuel corporations and projects were also targeted, including Woodside’s Burrup Hub, Whitehaven coal’s financing, and the Middle Arm industrial development. The end of the year saw another United Nations Climate Change Conference, with COP28 held in the United Arab Emirates in November to December. The year ended in a mass demonstration of power, as groups converged on Newcastle’s port for the People’s Climate Blockade in November.
Below we’ve collected some of the core moments in the Australian climate movement for 2023. But we know there has been plenty more activity throughout the year. If there’s something you think we should highlight, reach out to us to include it in the timeline.
Timeline elements:
- Climate weather events or records
- Release of key reports
- Legislation
- Elections
- Significant tactics
- Wins
- Other events/moments/issues impacting the climate movement
January
- Several climate organisations united to kick off campaigning about the safeguard mechanism
- Extinction Rebellion protest Santos at the cycling Tour Down Under
- Disrupt Burrup Hub protesters spray paint Woodside logo onto Frederick McCubbin painting at Art Gallery of Western Australia, drawing attention to Woodside’s ongoing desecration of sacred Murujuga rock art
- Tropical Cyclone Ellie causes heavy rainfall and flooding in the Northern Territory and Kimberley region of Western Australia
February
- Global Day of Action against the private jet industry held on Valentine’s day, with XR protesters heading to the Bombardier facility in Essendon Victoria
- Climate Council releases the Dirty Dozen report, highlighting Australia’s filthiest fossil fuel producers ahead of reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism
- Climate Analytics releases report on carbon offsets, examining the impacts of the Australian governments proposed changes to Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs) through the Safeguard Mechanism
- Extreme rain in Queensland and New South Wales results in flash flooding in some areas
March
- The NSW state election is won by the Labor Party, with pro-climate action Independent Judy Hannan becoming the member for Wollondilly and the Greens holding their seats. Parents for Climate’s guide showed where parties and candidates stood on climate.
- The Australia Institute releases a report on new fossil fuel projects, outlining the potential for 4.8 billion tonnes of emissions if they proceed.
- The UN adopts Vanuatu’s resolution asking the International Court of Justice to deliver an advisory opinion on climate change and legal consequences countries face for harming the environment. Australia is one of the 100+ nations cosponsoring the resolution.
- National Union of Student’s holds National Day of Action for climate
- Social media Day of Action is held for climate Safeguard Mechanism, targeting Prime Minister Anthony Alabese and Minister Chris Bowen
- Labor and the Greens reach an agreement on the Safeguard Mechanism reforms
April
- Dozens of Rising Tide protesters are arrested for bringing a coal train to a standstill for four hours in Newcastle, NSW
- Liddell coal-fired power station closes
- Queensland government refuses Clive Palmer’s Galilee Coal Project
May
- The Victorian government announces the end of native forest logging from 1st January 2024
- Extinction Rebellion protesters block traffic at Morphett St bridge, Adelaide, near the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) conference
- At the APPEA conference, the South Australian Premier tells the oil and gas industry the state government is ‘at your disposal’
- South Australia passes new anti-protest laws, increasing maximum fine to $50,000 with potential jail time
- Market Forces releases Banking Climate Failure, examining how Australia’s big four banks have continued to fund new fossil fuel developments, and The Climate Wreckers Index, a global list of 190 companies doing most of the climate wrecking through their coal, oil and gas expansion plans
June
- Tasmanian government releases Climate Change Action Plan 2023-25, outlining how the government will reach 2030 targets of net zero emissions, 50% reduced food waste, and 150% increase in renewable energy production
- Parliament Midwinter Ball is held without corporate sponsorships after criticism of Shell & Woodside’s sponsorships in 2022
- Woolworths announces transport fleet electrification by 2030 following campaigning by climate groups
- Winter in Sydney is marked by extreme heat, and temperatures 0.7°C to 2.3°C above average
July
- NAB moves out of financing Whitehaven Coal’s $1billion rotating debt facility
- Victoria announces ban on new gas connections in homes and government buildings from 1 January 2024
- Safeguard Mechanism reforms take effect
August
- CANA conference: Power Through Collaboration
- CommBank introduces new gas lending policy, effectively ruling out lending to oil and gas projects
September
- Voice referendum campaigning and debate intensifies in the last 6 weeks before the vote
- Start of the Senate Inquiry into Middle Arm Gas Hub
- South Australia hit with a record breaking heatwave, with some areas reaching over 18°C above average
October
- Climate Change Authority Annual Progress Report released, identifying that more action is needed to support renewables and stronger pursuit of emissions reductions elsewhere in the economy
- NT – Northern Territory’s Climate Change Response: Towards 2050 – Progress Report released
- October 7 – Hamas attack followed by commencement of Israeli bombing of Gaza
- October 14 – Voice referendum and No result
- 350 Australia releases the Bad Romance: Coal, Gas & Oil Sponsorship of the Australian Arts Industry, finding that the relatively small financial value provided by fossil fuel sponsors and partners for arts organisations could be replaced by arts organisations over time, especially with support from governments, whereas the benefits that arts provides to coal, oil, and gas corporations would be much more difficult to replace for these corporations
- Four Corners story on Disrupt Burrup Hub protest airs
- Friends of the Earth Asia Pacific releases a statement on Palestine
- Climate Action Network International releases a statement on Gaza/Israel calling for a ceasefire
- Compounding rain and wind event hits Hobart, Tasmania, bringing down trees and causing mass damage
- Early fire season hits Queensland in the Western Downs region
- Early fire season hits Gippsland, Victoria followed by flooding in the region
November
- Grassroots month of action
- November 17 – School Strike 4 Climate
- People’s Blockade in Newcastle organised by Rising Tide sees activists occupy the Port of Newcastle shipping channel, calling on the government to raise fossil fuel taxes and stop new coal projects
- Climate Change Bill 2023 introduced, in WA, but the legislation doesn’t include any interim 2030 emissions reduction targets
- Oxfam Australia releases the Climate Equality: A Planet for the 99% report
- Queensland blocks Clive Palmer’s coal fired power station
- Federal government expands Capacity Investment Scheme, increasing investment in renewable energy
- 350 Australia releases a statement, Palestine: A Climate Justice Issue
December
- Ban on new gas connections in ACT buildings takes effect
- COP28 (United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC) held from 30 November to 13 December and:
+ Australia rejoins the climate fund
+ Australia signs the Clean Energy Transition Partnership
+ Australia launches its first National Health and Climate Strategy - Move Beyond Coal – Turn Up the Heat National Week of Action 2-12 December – 100 actions in 100 Federal electorates calling on Labor to stop new coal and gas
- Extinction Rebellion December Rebellion 5-10 Dec
- First Nations Clean Energy Network releases the First Nations and the Clean Energy Transition: Emerging Issues in New Transmission Infrastructure working paper
- Steven Miles became the Premier of Queensland and announces an increase to the emissions reduction target (ERT) to 75% emissions reduction by 2035.
- Gas and Oil exploration banned in Queensland Channel Country
- The Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 passes in New South Wales
- Water trigger expanded, ensuring that unconventional gas projects are assessed by the Commonwealth for their impact on water supplies
- No Pride in Genocide: Seed Statement
- Article by Alex Kelly: Where is the Australian climate movement’s solidarity with Palestine?