Joint media release: Australia’s International Climate Engagement

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Pat Conroy, Minister for International Development and the Pacific

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Today we announce the appointment of Ms Kristin Tilley as Australia’s Ambassador for Climate Change.

Ms Tilley’s appointment delivers on an election commitment to reinstate the role of Ambassador for Climate Change. Her role demonstrates to the world Australia’s resolve to urgently step up the pace of action, and work alongside global partners, particularly in the Pacific, to tackle the climate crisis. 

Ms Tilley was most recently a First Assistant Secretary at the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, with over 10 years’ experience with international and domestic climate change policy and programs.

We thank former Ambassador for the Environment Mr Jamie Isbister for his excellent contribution to Australia’s engagement on international environment and climate change issues since 2019.

Ms Tilley will be part of Australia’s delegation to the 27th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Egypt, led by Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen.

Minister Bowen will demonstrate the Australian Government’s commitment to action on climate change, building on recent actions like legislating our emissions reduction targets of 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and net zero by 2050. This includes our 82 percent renewable energy target and supporting action on climate change for the Pacific region.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and its impact on power prices in Australia and the world, is a reminder of the importance of the energy transformation. Restoring Australia’s credibility on climate is key to attracting investment, including in cheaper energy and new industries.

COP27 is an opportunity to strengthen these international trade partnerships and showcase Australia’s renewed climate leadership, as we demonstrate our potential as a renewable energy superpower.

The Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, will represent the Prime Minister at COP27 from 7-9 November and focus on engaging with Australia’s Pacific partners.

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Jenny McAllister, will also attend.

The Australian Government will officially bid to co-host the 31st UNFCCC COP in 2026 in partnership with our Pacific neighbours.

Nothing is more central to the security and economies of the Pacific than climate change.

The Australian Government is committed to working in partnership with Pacific countries to address the climate emergency and realise our shared ambition for a successful COP31 bid.

Becoming a clean energy superpower and seizing the economic opportunities of decarbonisation for our region won’t happen by accident. Co-hosting COP31 will help restore Australia’s reputation and increase international engagement on climate change and energy.

Quote attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia is acting on climate change at home, and will now be part of the solution in the world.

“Ms Tilley will lead Australia’s international climate engagement, working with partners to deliver opportunities for green economy jobs.

“As well as playing our part to reduce emissions, Australia is also focused on helping our neighbours deal with the climate emergency, and elevating Pacific voices and priorities on the world stage.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen (MP):

“The Albanese Government has already taken urgent climate action and as one of our first acts, enshrined our commitment to reach net zero emissions into law.

“Our delegation at COP27 and our COP31 bid will go a long way to help drive Australia’s economic transformation to a net zero economy, and strengthen green trade partnerships and secure jobs for Australian workers.”

Quote attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy (MP):

“Climate change is being experienced by the Pacific family as a profound crisis, and an existential threat.”

“Australia recognises the Pacific’s longstanding leadership on global climate change, and together we will highlight our region’s priorities at COP27.”

“In hosting COP31, Australia and Pacific countries would profile the impact of climate change on the region, accelerate global action and harness the economic opportunities from the clean energy transition.”