A report from the inquiry into the National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA) including the Australian Government’s secrecy and withholding of the assessment from the Australian public since 2024. The report considers the process involved in preparing the NCRA and concerns raised regarding its public release; summarises some of the expected ongoing impacts on the Australian community of climate change; and presents the committee’s views and recommendations. 

The committee finds the NCRA makes for sobering reading. Evidence received throughout the hearing and from submissions provided, show the dire state of risks to Australia and its people from climate change. It is clear that climate change is one of the most significant threats facing Australia today. It was clear to the committee that there is now a need for urgent action to match the severity of what has been outlined in the NCRA. 

Recommendations for the Australian Government

1. Legislate a requirement that the NCRA process be undertaken with a report to be tabled in the Australian Parliament within five years of the previous version being released.
2. Legislate a requirement to respond to the risks outlined in the NCRA (including the costs of not taking action) and table this response in the Australian Parliament within three months of the release of the NCRA.
3. Table a declassified version of the report prepared by the Office of National Intelligence on the national security threats posed by climate change in the Australian Parliament within three months.