Inquiry Ponders How Government Can Legislate Against Climate Change Health Risks

The government is hearing testimony on whether to require lawmakers to consider the ‘health and wellbeing of children in Australia’ when approving mines.

School students hold up placards as they march at a School Strike 4 Climate rally calling for climate change action in Melbourne, Australia, on Nov. 17, 2023. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Questions remain over how exactly the federal Australian government can define, and legislate, a climate change risk to the “health and wellbeing” of children.

A Senate Committee is examining an amendment to the Albanese government’s Climate Change Act 2022 to require legislators to consider the health of children when making significant decisions.