SUBMISSION TO THE VICTORIAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE’S INQUIRY INTO TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE IN VICTORIAN COMMUNITIES

The Women’s Climate Justice Collective (WCJC) welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the

Victorian Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee’s Inquiry into Tackling Climate Change in

Victorian Communities.

About the WCJC The Women’s Climate Justice Collective formed at the Climate Justice Convergence held in Canberra in

February 2017. We are a national network of women and non-binary academics, activists, care-givers, workers

and community members committed to feminist climate justice as a framework for action to address Climate

Change.

The Collective’s Victorian alliance meet monthly at Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre in Carlton.

Recent activities include the WCJC weekend camp at Commonground Conference and Retreat Centre in

October 2019 in Seymour, where members participated in networking, workshops and strategic planning and

development re: feminist climate justice.

WCJC pay respect to the Traditional and ongoing Owners and custodians of the land across the state of

Victoria, including the five tribes of the Kulin Nations. WCJC acknowledge that the land was stolen and that

sovereignty was never ceded. WCJC further recognise that environmental strategy and action must

foreground, and be led by, Victoria’s Indigenous communities and First Nations people of Australia.

Climate Justice WCJC’s biggest concerns are that existing inequalities around gender, income and wealth, race, rurality, ability,

sexuality, species and so on in Victoria will continue to be exacerbated under climate crisis, resulting in

widened inequalities and deepened injustices of power and privilege.

Recognising this, WCJC urge the Victorian Government to fast-track the development of a visionary, integrated

and gender-responsive Climate-Change strategy, involving whole-of-Government and community and private

partnerships. Policy, strategy and programs should aim to mitigate the underlying causes of Climate Change, in

particular by transitioning Victoria to a binding target of net zero emissions by 2030, and support Victorians,

particularly groups and communities who are most marginalised, to adapt to the impacts of Climate Change.

Science is telling us that the impacts of Climate Change are happening now and faster than predicted. As we

write this submission, the bushfire season in Victoria is well underway, having started earlier than in previous

decades. Currently, across the State, and other states of Australia, there are fires burning at a scale and

ferocity never previously encountered, causing irreversible damage to Victoria’s natural heritage, killing and

injuring wildlife at an unprecedented scale and devastating human lives and livelihoods. For well over 20 years,

scientists have warned that Climate Change would increase the risk of extreme bushfires in Australia. Their

warning was accurate.

The world is watching as Australia enters this new phase of climate crisis. The existential threat we are

presented with creates a clear moral and ethical imperative for Government at all levels to take immediate

and decisive action. The courage and leadership to take this necessary immediate action has been absent in

Australia to date. This makes it even more crucial for the Victorian Government to model meaningful, visionary

and just Climate Change leadership to the rest of Australia, and the world.

The Gendered Impacts of Climate Change Inequalities, injustices and discriminations that currently exist in Victoria and more broadly will worsen under climate change, according to a recent study by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Unless Victorian climate responses and solutions are just and address the structural causes of climate change

(neoliberal capitalism, patriarchy, colonialism, white supremacy), our state will continue to go along a destructive trajectory of haves and have nots, resulting in more

widespread and entrenched inequalities.

Climate change is an issue of human rights, because climate change exacerbates inequalities and social injustices (Australian Human Rights Commission 2017). There are

multiple experiences of inequality and climate change in Australia, considering gender, sexuality, Indigeneity, race and cultural identity, ability, age, income level, and

place. The literature indicates that in Australia, advantage and privilege under climate change is most often held by people who are male, heterosexual, white, English-

speaking, able-bodied, high income-earning and residing in well-resourced urban communities.

Ways in which climate change affects and will affect different groups differently:

Climate change entrenches gender inequality and traditional gender roles in Australia,

exacerbating issues such as the gender pay gap, gendered caring responsibilities,

women’s underrepresentation in leadership, and high rates of violence against

women, especially for First Nations women (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016).

Research indicates increased rates of violence against women during and after

climate events (Alston 2012; Anderson 2009; Parkinson and Zara 2013; Parkinson,

Farrant, and Duncan 2015; Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013; Whittenbury 2013), with

heightened excuse making and legitimization of male perpetrators, which entrenches

male privilege (Parkinson, Farrant and Duncan 2015). Furthermore, single parent

households, generally headed by women, experience increased economic tensions

under climate change (Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist et al. 2013). Climate change also has

gender-differentiated health impacts. For example, during climate events farming

men have greater risk of physical injuries (Whittenbury 2013), and pregnant women

experience heightened risks from increased stress, lack of access to nutritious food

and higher likelihood of violence (Parkinson, Farrant, and Duncan 2015). Research in

drought-affected communities identified a tendency for women to ignore their own

health needs to prioritize the health of male partners (Alston 2009, 2012; Alston and

Whittenbury 2013; Whittenbury 2013). Australian men have a greater likelihood of

dying during bushfires, while women are more likely to die during heat waves

(Parkinson, Farrant, and Duncan 2015; Tyler and Fairbrother 2013).

Indigeneity, race and cultural identity are also important axes of power under climate change. In

Australia, First Nations peoples have unique experiences of climate change due to spiritual

relationships with land (often labelled country) (Arabena and Kingsley 2015; Green and Minchin

2014; Hughes, Rickards, Steffen, et al. 2016; IPCC 2014; Zander, Petheram, and Garnett 2013). For

example, McNamara and Westoby’s (2011) study with older Torres Strait Islander women found

that climate-induced changes to identity and place caused sadness and ‘solastalgia’ (distress from

environmental change). Furthermore, climate events may damage or destroy cultural heritage sites

and wild food networks (Choy, Clarke, Jones, et al. 2013), and First Nations peoples may be

displaced from country and relocated to increasingly stressed urban settings (Arabena and Kingsley

2015; Hunter 2009; Zander, Petheram, and Garnett 2013). First Nations peoples’ vulnerability to

climate change is also exacerbated by existing inequalities such as lower life expectancy and higher

rates of disability, chronic disease, suicide, unemployment, poverty, family and community

violence, and overcrowded and poor housing, compared with non-First Nations Australians

(Campbell, Stafford Smith, Davies, et al. 2008; Green and Minchin 2014; Hunter 2009; Choy, Clarke,

Jones, et al. 2013; Petheram, Zander, Campbell, et al. 2010; Steering Committee for the Review of

Government Service Provision 2014). Some climate change health impacts for First Nations

Australians include increased tropical, communicable, vector-, water- and mosquito-borne diseases,

respiratory illnesses, dehydration, psychological distress, anxiety, mental illness, substance use,

heat stress, and mortality, aggravated by poor access to health services (Arabena and Kingsley

2015; Campbell, Smith, Davies et al. 2008; Hunter 2009). First Nations weather knowledges,

peoples and rights are also excluded from climate change decision-making and policy that privilege

white, male perspectives (Alston and Mason 2008; Ford 2012; Gerrard 2008; Choy, Clarke, Jones, et

al. 2013; Petheram, Zander, Campbell, et al. 2010).

Most Australian literature regarding gender and climate change perpetuates binary,

heteronormative constructions of gender, overlooking experiences of LGBTI peoples

(Dominey-Howes, Gorman-Murray, and McKinnon 2014). LGBTI Australians

experience ‘double marginalisation’ under climate change (Gorman-Murray, Morris,

Keppel, et al. 2017, 44), due to state-sanctioned, institutional and interpersonal

discrimination, poor community understanding of LGBTI needs, and high rates of

marginalization, bullying, harassment and violence (Australian Human Rights

Commission 2015). For example, during the 2011 Queensland floods, LBGTI people

experienced stress, anxiety and depression, fears of prejudice and/or abuse, and

reluctance to seek mainstream emergency services due to fears of lack of safety,

accessibility and inclusivity in heteronormative spaces that privileged non-LGBTI

peoples (Gorman-Murray, Morris, Keppel, et al. 2017). Concerningly, some Australian

governments outsource emergency response and recovery arrangements to faith-

based Christian organizations with legal exemption from anti-discrimination

protections (Dominey-Howes, Gorman-Murray, and McKinnon 2016).

Furthermore, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) peoples and newly-arrived migrants and

refugees, especially those from non-English speaking countries, have heightened vulnerability to

climate change in Australia. This is partly due to language barriers, lack of weather acclimatization

and adaptation, and wearing climate-inappropriate clothing (Hansen, Bi, Saniotis, et al. 2013;

Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013). During heat waves, new migrants may avoid public air-

conditioned spaces such as shopping centres, may be at risk at beaches and swimming pools if

unable to swim, and may experience ‘discomfort, anguish, sunburn and the potential for severe

health impacts’ (Hansen Bi, Saniotis, et al. 2013, 3). During climate events, lack of local language

and cultural knowledge also limits access to information, community activities and social support

networks that generally advantage non-CALD communities (Bell and Blahski 2014; Sevoyan, Hugo,

Feist, et al. 2013).

Australians with disability are also vulnerable to climate change, due to existing

systemic disadvantage through human rights violations, social isolation, negative

social attitudes and risk of violent crime, lack of support services, lack of access to

education and meaningful employment, greater risk of poverty, lack of access to

buildings, facilities, transport and internet, and difficulties accessing appropriate and

affordable housing (National People with Disabilities and Carer Council 2009; Walker

2015). These experiences are not gender neutral; for example, women with disability

have high risk of domestic, family and sexual violence (Australian Human Rights

Commission 2012). People with disability are at heightened risk from climate events,

especially extreme heat and cold (Hughes, Hanna, and Fenwick 2016; Walker 2015)

and during severe emergency evacuation procedures, particularly children with

disability (Boon, Pagliano, Brown, et al. 2008). Challenges also arise regarding the care

of people with disability before, during and after extreme events (Bell and Blahski

2014).

Older Australians are vulnerable to climate events such as bushfires due to reliance on others to

evacuate, and heat waves due to declining physical and cognitive health, tendency to overdress,

lack of thirst, limited transport and fear of high power bills (Hansen, Bi, Saniotis, et al. 2013; Horton,

Hanna, and Bell 2010; Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013); especially First Nations elderly people with

chronic illnesses such as kidney disease (Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013). During climate events,

elderly first generation migrants, particularly those with poor English proficiency, may have greater

support needs (Loughnan and Carroll 2015), and may experience linguistic and social isolation with

reduced access to English-language preventative health messages that privilege non-CALD

Australians (Hansen, Bi, Saniotis, et al. 2013). Furthermore, post-disaster scammers target elderly

Australians (Bell and Blahski 2014). Conversely, climate events can cause child health risks such as

overheating, dehydration, vector-borne diseases and mental health concerns (Hughes, Hanna, and

Fenwick 2016; Parkinson, Farrant, and Duncan 2015; Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013). These are

intensified with new migrant status, low-income and disability (Boon, Joanna, Pagliano, et al. 2012;

Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013). Climate events can also affect Australian children’s physical,

psychological and behavioural development (Parkinson, Farrant, and Duncan 2015); for example,

financial difficulties from drought can restrict rural children’s education access (Alston 2011).

Disaster evacuation centres with shared sleeping areas and volunteer carers also pose child

protection risks (Bell and Blahski 2014).

Economic exclusion is a key determinant of vulnerability to climate change (Sevoyan,

Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013). Low-income Australians have fewer resources to prepare,

respond, cope and recover from climate events (Bell and Blahski 2014; Hansen, Bi,

Saniotis, et al. 2013; Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013). Poor Australians are more

likely to live in climate event-risk areas in low quality, energy inefficient housing

without insulation, with greater susceptibility to rising costs for electricity, water,

food and transportation (and lack of car ownership may impede effective adaptation,

especially in rural areas without public transport) (Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013).

Extreme events exacerbate the gender pay gap and women’s unpaid care burden,

with increased risk of poverty for women (Alston 2009, 2011, 2012; Anderson 2009;

Parkinson, Farrant, and Duncan 2015; Whittenbury 2013). Furthermore, elderly

people, First Nations Australians and people with disability have decreased financial

capacity to respond to stressors such as extreme heat, intensifying health risks

(Loughnan and Carroll 2015; Choy, Clarke, Jones, et al. 2013; Petheram, Zander,

Campbell, et al. 2010; Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013; Walker, 2015). Additionally,

people employed in fossil fuel industries may experience economic exclusion if the

transition to a carbon-free economy is poorly managed (Edwards, Fritz, and Wiseman

2009).

Finally, place is a relevant dimension of inequality. Australian rural communities are often at the

frontline of climate events (Alston 2009, 2011, 2012; Hughes, Rickards, Steffen, et al 2016; Stehlick,

Lawrence, and Gray 2000; Whittenbury 2013). During the Millennium Drought (1996-2010), rural

communities (especially farmers) experienced significant financial stress (Alston 2011; Hughes,

Hanna, and Fenwick 2016; Hughes, Rickards, Steffen, et al. 2016). Male farmers experienced

increased substance use, depression, anxiety and suicide (Alston 2009, 2011, 2012; Alston and

Whittenbury 2013; Parkinson, Farrant, and Duncan 2015; Whittenbury 2013), while female farmers

experienced stress, anxiety, depression, post-natal depression and grief (Alston 2011; Anderson

2009; Stehlick, Lawrence, and Gray 2000). Declining social services in depopulating rural towns

exacerbated mental health concerns (Alston 2011; Stehlick, Lawrence, and Gray 2000). Scholars

also suggest that First Nations peoples living on islands, the tropical north coast, the central desert

and in remote communities are at particular risk of climate change (Campbell, Smith, Davies, et al.

2008; Green and Minchin 2014; Hunter 2009). Conversely, some urban and peri-urban First Nations

peoples consider themselves highly vulnerable to climate change due to fewer connections to

country and dependency on mainstream resources (Choy, Clarke, Jones, et al. 2013).

The literature reviewed above highlights the diverse experiences and risks for marginalized Australians under climate change, supporting the argument that climate change

activism and policy should address multiple and intersecting inequalities (Arora-Jonsson 2011; Gaard 2015; Kaijser and Kronsell 2014). Victorian policy regarding climate

change, natural disasters and emergency management is generally blind to reducing the vulnerability and strengthening the resilience and adaptability of marginalized

Australians (including women). Marginalised Australians are also excluded from developing climate change-related policy and generally are not included in climate

decision-making bodies (Alston 2009, 2011; Alston and Mason 2008; Arabena and Kingsley 2015; Christoff 2013; Dominey-Howes, Gorman-Murray, and McKinnon 2014;

Gorman-Murray, McKinnon, and Dominey-Howes 2014; MacCallum, Byrne, and Steele 2014).

Key Recommendations 1. The Victorian government, local governments, non-profit sector and all other sectors and industry

adopt 'climate justice' as a frame of action to respond to and address climate change. Climate justice

challenges ‘distributive, procedural and relational injustices’ whereby vulnerable peoples are most

impacted by climate change (Evans 2010, p. 201). Kaijser and Kronsell (2014) explain, (t)he

responsibility, vulnerability, and decision-making power of individuals and groups in relation to

climate change can be attributed to social structures based on characteristics such as gender, socio-

economic status, ethnicity, nationality, health, sexual orientation, age, and place. Moreover, the

impacts of climate change, as well as strategies for mitigation and adaptation, may reinforce or

challenge such structures and categorisations (p. 420). Chatterton et al. (2013) explain that climate

justice involves principles of democratic accountability and participation, ecological sustainability and

social justice and their combined ability to provide solutions to climate change. Such a notion focuses

on the interrelationships between, and addresses the roots causes of, the social injustice, ecological

destruction and economic domination perpetrated by the underlying logics of pro-growth capitalism

(p. 606).

2. Climate justice must be mainstreamed throughout all areas and levels of decision-making, policy,

programming, procurement, budget-setting, governance and climate action. Actions to address

climate change must not perpetuate the root causes of climate change; that is, pro-growth, neoliberal

capitalism, patriarchy, colonialism and white supremacy. Climate actions must work to transform

structures of inequality and injustice to ensure that no one is left behind.

3. The social justice sector and local government must be adequately resourced to respond to and

integrate the social impacts of climate change in their work. This includes everything, such as

Aboriginal rights organisations, women's refuges and family violence programs, social housing,

financial counselling, poverty alleviation, welfare, emergency relief, food banks, legal services,

disability services, LGBTI+ support services, aged care facilities, and health programs.

Further specific recommendations include:

Transition to 100% renewable, carbon-free energy by 2030 Victoria needs a rapid transition to 100% renewable, carbon-free energy by 2030, which does not include

nuclear or biomass from burning trees etc. A climate justice approach demands that the creation of 100%

renewable energy in Victoria must not leave anyone behind.

In order to tackle energy from a climate justice perspective, several strategies are recommended:

Support and resource the rapid roll out of community-owned, collectively-managed, decentralised

renewable energy projects in communities around the State;

Support and resource neighbourhoods especially low income people and communities, to implement

microgrids and other innovative technologies;

Draw from the research of Beyond Zero Emissions regarding the electrification of industry, and how

this can be done using renewable energy;

Ensure that people in all their diversities (such as First Nations folks, women and non-binary folks, low

income people, farmers) are involved in all levels of decision-making regarding renewable energy

projects;

Support First Nations communities and organisations to develop and manage renewable energy

projects;

Ensure that the construction of renewable energy projects does not displace First Nations peoples

from their traditional homelands, and that all renewable energy projects uphold the principles of

Free, Prior, Informed and Continuing Consent;

Review State Planning Policies to require renewable energy systems on all new buildings (residential

and commercial), with concessions/grants for first home owners and lower-value homes;

Ensure existing and future public housing is energy efficient, with insulation, curtain treatments,

double glazed windows, access to renewable energy;

Ensure that all new public housing has solar passive orientation.

Clean industries and technologies In order to meet the emissions reductions required to stave off catastrophic climate change, as outlined in the

IPCC 1.5 report, the Victorian Government must: - Immediately legislate a strong, binding Renewable Energy

Target for 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Immediately legislate a binding target of net zero emissions by 2030;

Immediately legislate for no new gas, coal or oil extraction projects in Victoria;

Require all industries to develop transition plans and commence implementation to meet these

targets, with regulations and penalties for non-compliance. - Support extractive-reliant communities

to transition from an extractive-based economy to an innovative, circular economy that is zero

emissions, climate resilient, supports the rights and flourishing of people and nature, has fair and just

working conditions, and leaves no one behind;

Develop a significant fund to provide grants to local governments, cooperatives and communities to

develop alternative, emissions-free, climate resilient industries. Example sectors may include

recycling technologies, creative industries, knowledge economy, digital economy, and the caring

economy.

Transport and Mobility Increase and extend public transport throughout Victoria, including to regional areas;

Strengthen State Planning Policies to increase the quality and quantity of sidewalks and cycling lanes

in existing and new developments;

Require that rigorous gender analysis is conducted in all planning and urban design in Victoria to

enhance the safety and comfort of women and children when walking and cycling. This includes

ensuring that cycling and walking is accessible for people in all their diversities, designing pram-

friendly pathways, and designing lighting and landscaping to promote safety for women who are

walking and cycling at night. Plan International’s Australia's Safer Cities research showcases street

harassment and safety issues for women and girls in numerous cities around the world, including

Sydney, and provides useful strategies that could be adopted in Victoria.

Electric vehicles Low-emissions vehicles are expensive, and there are not enough opportunities to charge EVs around Victoria.

As such, it is difficult for low income people, particularly those living in rural Victoria, to purchase EVs. This is

despite the fact that EVs are likely more cost-effective over the long term. Another key factor for EVs is that

charging stations are likely to be powered from coal-based power supply, which undermines the emissions

reductions intention of this transport option.

In order to encourage and support low income households to use electric and other low-emissions vehicles,

the following are suggested:

Urgently legislate for immediate transition of Victorian vehicles to low emissions vehicles for

households and companies, with all new vehicles to be imported or manufactured in WA to be zero

emissions;

Immediately and significantly increase registration fees on high emissions vehicles;

Provide a reasonable concession for low income households to purchase and use low emissions

vehicles or EVs;

Provide funding for low income households to purchase solar panels and battery storage to be able to

charge electric vehicles;

Ensure that all public housing (existing and new) has renewable energy and battery storage that is

sufficient to charge electric vehicles.

Liveable towns and cities The Victorian government has not legislated for Zero Carbon or a binding emissions reduction target or a

renewable energy target. As such, it is extremely difficult for the energy sector to reliably invest in renewable

energy projects, and for communities to confidently develop collectivist renewable energy projects.

Low income people, including single mothers with children, generally lack the financial resources to improve

energy efficiency in their homes. It is very difficult for renters and public housing tenants to improve the

energy efficiency of their homes, as they do not own the home, and landlords are unlikely to implement

energy efficiency measures. State Planning Policies and other regulatory tools are required to mandate net

zero emissions in all new homes, to retrofit all existing public housing stock, and to grandfather existing private

rental stock to improve energy efficiency.

Further to this, State Planning Policies must be revised to ensure net zero emissions in all commercial

buildings. There can be a grandfathered and a sliding scale approach to these policies, with concessions for

smaller businesses.

Climate change is already causing issues such as extreme heat and cold, reduced rainfall, greater risk of

bushfire, and sea level rises. As such, the liveability of every neighbourhood and region in Victoria will be

affected, but in different ways. Government responses to climate change MUST be place-based, and must

ensure that climate responses leave no one behind - that is, that neighbourhoods and regions under climate

change are liveable for First Nations peoples, low income people, people with a disability, older and young

people and children, LGBTQIA+ peoples, women and gender diverse folks, and any other groups of people who

are particularly vulnerable to the social justice impacts of climate change.

The Victorian government must increase the levels of protection for existing forests, reserves, vegetation and

riparian zones. Clearing must be a very last resort, and reforestation and rehabilitation must be a priority.

Environmentally and socially-sensitive urban densification rather than continued suburban sprawl is critical to

retaining vegetation, as well as addressing the numerous social injustices and isolations that arise from sprawl.

Mass planting of endemic native vegetation, informed by First Nations peoples and environmental scientists, is

crucial.

Waste reduction While waste must be reduced, it is important that this does not become a key strategy for climate action in

Victoria, given that the emissions output from waste is minimal compared to the extraction and burning of

fossil fuels. Having said that, a key strategy is mandating FOGO bins and collection services in all local

government areas, which will significantly reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and will increase the

viability of community-owned commercial composting facilities.

Provide seed funding for community-owned composting facilities throughout Victoria to collect,

process and distribute organic waste;

Urgently legislate to ban single use plastics in Victoria, such as plastic cutlery, plastic wrap and

balloons. This will encourage the development and use of innovative replacement technologies and

materials.

Water security Local governments and communities require significant funding and support to transition our industries,

neighbourhoods and households to be water efficient and adapt to a drying climate. Examples include funding

and promoting the transition to regenerative agriculture; supporting First Nations peoples to lead the

protection of streams and waterways; protecting and enhancing riparian vegetation; and strengthening State

Planning Policies to protect waterways from development.

Ceasing logging of native forest and Rights of Nature Framework The logging of native forests in Victoria must cease immediately. This is vital for rainfall, water tables,

biodiversity and habitat and climate control. Native forestry is an outdated industry, alternatives have

enormous potential to safeguard forests and encourage and enable sustainable industries.

The Rights of Nature framework is a key framework that has been implemented in various other jurisdictions

(New Zealand, Ecuador, Bolivia, India etc), which gives personhood to the environment, including waterways.

When a waterway is given rights (such as the Whanganui River in New Zealand), it has much stronger levels of

protection and has legal standing in a court of law. Given that water is essential to the survival of people and

other species, there is strong justification for waterways in Victoria to have greater legal standing and

protection. Rights of Nature is an excellent framework to achieve this.

Regional Victoria Regional communities need to be well-resourced to prevent, respond and cope with the impacts of climate

change. Some key strategies:

Ensure that regional communities are well-resourced with local services to address social justice

issues that are exacerbated under climate change, such as food insecurity, health, mental health,

homelessness, poverty, violence against women, education access, discriminations, lack of access and

exclusion, and unemployment;

Provide funding and support to primary industries and local communities to develop and implement

place-based plans to transition to a sustainable, circular economy that is climate resilient, supports

environmental flourishing, ensures fair work for everyone, upholds the rights of everyone and leaves

no one behind;

Support and resource regional organisations that work for the rights of women and gender diverse

peoples to be equipped, trained and prepared to address the gendered impacts of climate change in

their communities, such as increased rates of violence against women and increased caring

responsibilities of women.

Support the agricultural sector with transition The Victorian agricultural sector requires significant funding and resources to transition to regenerative

farming practices that enhance the environment and adequately respond to the impacts of climate change and

the need for food security in the long term. Training and support programs for women regenerative farmers

are particularly encouraged.

First Nations peoples must be involved in every level of decision-making regarding carbon farming, to ensure

that carbon farming does not have destructive impacts on Country.

Protecting biodiversity The Victorian agricultural sector must urgently transition to regenerative and permaculture practices that

enhance the environment and biodiversity. The state government must provide significant funds to Landcare

groups to support this transition. Learning from and with First Nations peoples about land use and biodiversity

management (including fire management) is vital. This requires funding and resources for Aboriginal

organisations, Aboriginal rangers and Aboriginal communities to lead the protection and enhancement of our

environment.

The State Government must partner with and fairly resource Aboriginal peoples to lead actions to address

climate risks and improve biodiversity outcomes. This includes Aboriginal women, men and young people.

Climate Justice must be the key consideration in all projects and collaborations to address climate risks and

improve biodiversity, including ensuring that vulnerable peoples are not left behind or adversely affected by

actions.

Strengthening adaptive capacity We observe a significant gap across Victoria in addressing social injustices in adaptation to climate change.

Although extensive research has been conducted in Victoria and Australia about the social justice impacts of

climate change, this knowledge is not being translated into adaptation actions by governments, organisations

and industry. It is imperative that the Victorian Government lead on adaptation action that upholds the rights

of people and nature, ensuring that no one is left behind. This requires a transformational approach to

adaptation that funds and resources First Nations organisations, social justice organisations, health services,

state government agencies, local governments, and communities to develop and implement place-based,

locally-responsive, just and fair adaptation plans. The community sector, local government, State government

agencies, health sector and other sectors all require more knowledge, information and skills for how to

develop and implement adaptation action that is just and fair for everyone.

The State government can work with Universities and industry partners to resource and undertake action

research to develop and implement knowledge and tools required to effectively adapt to climate change in a

way that is just and fair for everyone.

Dr Naomi Godden, co-Chair of the Women's Climate Justice Collective, is a Research Fellow at Edith Cowan

University and is currently leading participatory action research with the WA Community Sector to identify

ways to mainstream climate justice into the sector. The sector has requested toolkits, information and

guidance for how to mainstream climate justice in their work. This is also mirrored in local governments. The

State Government can resource and support these innovative projects to address the knowledge gaps

regarding climate change adaptation.

Submission Details Compiled and edited by Lucy Foley and Courtney May

Women’s Climate Justice Collective (Vic)

Email: wcjcaus@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomensClimateJusticeCollective/

Date: 31st January, 2020

The WCJC wishes to thank Dr Naomi Godden, co-Chair of the Women's Climate Justice Collective, and Research

Fellow at Edith Cowan University for contributing substantial research used throughout this submission.

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