This research brief provides an overview of the main provisions of this Victorian legislation, background information on climate change, an overview of the state government's White Paper Action Plan, stakeholder responses, and legislation in other jurisdictions.

 
The main purposes of the Bill are to establish a target for greenhouse gas emission reductions; facilitate the consideration of climate change in areas of government decision making; promote collaboration and innovation in the response to climate change by strengthening the role of communities; develop a Climate Change Adaptation Plan; facilitate Victoria’s contribution to national and international carbon sequestration efforts; provide for the creation of forestry, carbon sequestration and soil carbon rights; provide for Forestry and Carbon Management Agreements and Carbon Sequestration Agreements; and provide accessible information to the community on climate change.