Australia is a party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rightswhich provides that adequate housing is a human right. If climate change makes insurance for housing unaffordable or unavailable for more people, the fulfilment of this right is made even more difficult in the context of a housing system already in crisis.

Our governments, at all levels, need to act. The climate emergency is accelerating with breathtaking speed. The frightening frequency of climate-related disasters further validate the concerns of NSWCCL as we continue to advocate for more ambitious climate action.

Our submission to the Select Committee on the Impact of Climate Risk on Insurance Premiums and Availability makes clear our view that Australia's current target within the Climate Chage Act (2022) is woefully inadequate. Action is required to change the trajectory for future generations of Australians seeking viable insurance options through a workable climate policy for Australia.

The most important role the Australian Government can play in mitigating the risk that increasing national disasters will push insurance premiums out of reach for many Australians is to take action to reduce Australia’s emissions. Australia has a legislated target under the Climate Change Act of a 43% reduction in net greenhouse gasses below 2005 levels by 2030. The NSW Civil Liberties Council considers this target to be insufficient. We can and must do more.

Read our submission here.