Australians demand 75% climate target as polling and National Climate Risk Assessment align
Business for 75
For immediate release 14 September 2025
Two-thirds of Australians want the federal government to commit to a 75% or higher emissions reduction target by 2035, according to new polling, putting pressure on Canberra just weeks before a key climate decision is made.
The polling reflects a rare alignment between the public, business, and scientific advice. Over 500 companies from global names like IKEA, Unilever and Atlassian to local firms have signed the Business for 75 coalition in two weeks, urging stronger climate ambition.
Future Group CEO Simon Sheikh said the polling leaves little doubt about where Australians stand:
“Australians are demanding ambition. This isn’t a fringe view it is a clear majority of voters saying they want a 75 per cent target or higher by 2035. Businesses are saying the same, and the science has long been clear. There’s now a united front for government to act.”
“The real story here is alignment. For once, the public, business and experts are all pulling in the same direction. The opportunity for Australia is to lead, not lag, in the global race for clean industries and good jobs.”
The government’s National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA), delayed for months, reportedly includes “dire” forecasts of heat-related fatalities, coastal inundation, drought, and severe impacts on agriculture and fisheries. Sheikh said the assessment underscores the economic opportunity in acting boldly:
“Capital markets move where opportunities are. Global technology companies in the US, climate and clean-tech firms in China these are the recipients of massive investment flows. Australia risks being left behind if we stay heavily exposed to disrupted industries like mining.”
“Deloitte Access Economics shows more than $20 billion a year in additional capital inflows is possible if Australia sets a 75 per cent target rather than 65%. That’s why so many in the investment community understand we’ve got to be globally credible.”
Modelling also indicates that a 75% cut by 2035 could deliver $370 billion to GDP, 69,000 new jobs annually, and $190 billion in export revenue by 2050.
The Business for 75 coalition is urging the government to align Australia’s 2035 target with public opinion, scientific advice, and global competitiveness.
ENDS
Appendix and Editors notes
YouGov Polling
Questions asked by YouGov
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1502 Australian voters. Fieldwork was undertaken between 22nd August - 29th August 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures are representative of the voting population by age, gender, region, income, education, 2025 Federal Election vote and 2023 Voice referendum vote.
The Australian Government will soon decide on Australia’s next greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2035.
Which one of the following options do you personally support?
- Achieving net zero emissions by 2035 (bringing forward the current 2050 target), as advocated by many climate groups and climate scientists.
- Reducing emissions by 75% below 2005 levels by 2035, as advocated by some progressive Australian businesses.
- Setting no new emissions reduction target for 2035, as advocated by some members of the Opposition.
Business leaders are urging leaders Canberra not to miss the opportunity.
Additional Quotes
Unilever Australia Chief Executive Nick Bangs:
“Australia’s food and grocery sector is the third-largest industrial energy user in the country and has a critical role to play in the energy transition. At Unilever Australia, we’re transforming how we manufacture—from switching to renewable electricity to making our operations more efficient. But to scale these efforts, we need strong government leadership. That’s why we support Business for 75 and urge the Australian Government to commit to ambitious, science-based climate targets. Clear policy direction will empower manufacturers to invest, innovate, and accelerate the shift towards a low-carbon economy.”
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IKEA, Australia and New Zealand Mirja Viinanen, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer
“IKEA is rapidly decarbonising, investing in circularity, and proving that sustainability and commercial success go hand in hand. But we can’t get to where we need too it alone. We’re ready to work alongside other businesses and government to scale up and move fast. From our experience, setting ambitious goals has driven momentum that simply couldn’t be achieved without aiming high. That’s why we urge the Australian Government to adopt the most ambitious, science-aligned target possible—because bold targets inspire bold action, and together, we can build a better future for the many people.”
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Bank Australia Managing Director Damien Walsh:
"We signed onto Business for 75 because we believe Australia’s future -- and the future of our members -- depends on strong, credible climate action.
"As a customer-owned bank, our purpose is to create positive impact and value for people and the planet. A minimum 75% reduction target by 2035 is both achievable and necessary to protect communities from climate risk and to seize the opportunities of the clean economy."
"The choices we make today will decide the kind of Australia we pass on. We choose an Australia powered by clean energy and opportunity."
"The clean economy is the growth story of our time. Australia needs the right target to lead it."
"Our customers expect us to back solutions that safeguard the value of their savings and create new opportunities for all Australians. A strong 2035 target does exactly that. It's necessary, achievable and will pay dividends for decades to come."
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Squadron Energy Chief Executive Rob Wheals:
“To achieve great things, we need ambitious goals, and an ambitious emissions reduction target has the potential to unlock investment and drive long-term economic growth, particularly for regional Australia.
“This modelling confirms that climate leadership is not just good policy, it’s good business. The opportunity is ours to seize.”
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Volvo Group Australia Chief Executive Martin Merrick:
“Australian businesses know that a strong target will provide the clarity, credibility and confidence needed to attract large-scale investment in building new renewable energy generation, new green industries and new technologies.
“A strong target will enable Australia to transition away from fossil fuels towards a more prosperous future, sending a clear signal to our global trading partners that Australia is not only committed to, but also capable of being a competitive player in the global green economy.
“Australian communities and businesses are already facing the escalating impacts of climate change. Failing to set a strong, science-based Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) will increase Australia’s contribution to rising global emissions while diminishing our relevance within a global economy that is rapidly decarbonising and seeking green, renewable products.
“The evidence is clear. We call on the government to set an ambitious NDC of 75% and leave a historic legacy for all Australians.”
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Ben & Jerry’s Activism Manager Hilary McAllister:
"This target is not just what Australians need - it's what Australians deserve, and an essential step in taking the bold, necessary action we need to address the climate crisis. Through campaigns such as This Is Our Whirled, Save Southern Sea and Unfudge our Future, Ben and Jerry's has long advocated for progressive environmental policy, informed by scientific targets. We know that doing right by our planet is good business, and it's now the Government's turn to match our ambition and commit to 75% by 2035.”
About us:
About Business for 75. Business for 75 is a coalition of business leaders calling on the Australian Government to commit to an emissions reduction target of at least 75% by 2035, (from 2005 levels). Modelling3 quoted in this media release can be sourced from the website: www.businessfor75.com.au
Contact details:
Alana Theodor / 0420 525 556 / [email protected]