Climateworks experts available to respond to 2026 Federal Budget
8th May 2026
Climateworks Centre experts are available to comment on the 2026 Federal Budget.
Anna Malos – Climateworks Australia Lead, former Assistant Director at the Climate Change Authority and former climate policy expert with the UK and Victorian Governments. Can speak to land use and biodiversity targets, and Australia’s overarching climate policy.
'At a time when global dynamics are causing rapid changes and uncertainty, it’s more important than ever for governments to build resilience. This can be achieved by drawing on Australia’s economic strengths and enviable clean energy resources. Sensible investments and policy changes focused on building momentum through the next five years will set Australia’s economy up for the future. It's time to leverage the nation's green energy potential to strengthen trade relationships across the region while meeting targets for climate, energy and biodiversity.'
Helen Rowe – Climateworks Transport Lead, transport expert and former Director of Sustainable Transport Programs with the Victorian Government. Can speak to road user charging, electric vehicle (EV) incentives and freight electrification, public transport, walking, cycling, freight on rail and transport infrastructure.
'This budget can play a pivotal role in responding to the current fuel crisis and Australia’s growing transport emissions. Helping more Australians to get behind the wheel of an EV, hop on a bike or on public transport, and supporting businesses to roll out electric trucks and vans, is shifting Australia’s reliance on imported fuel to energy made in Australia - all while minimising transport emissions.'
Dr Gill Armstrong – Climateworks Buildings Lead, expert in new and existing residential and non-residential buildings, and Chartered Architectural Technologist. Can speak to built environment, Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative, and electrification incentives including home batteries.
'Households are looking to this budget for cost of living relief that actually lasts. Investing in efficient, all electric buildings and home batteries is one of the fastest ways the government can lower power bills, reduce emissions and improve resilience at scale. Families in rental homes are a priority - where investment can make the biggest difference.'
Alex Veale – Climateworks Industry Lead, expert in decarbonising heavy industry and former Sustainability and Advanced Manufacturing Lead at Global Victoria. Can speak to Future Made in Australia and Australia’s energy and resource sovereignty and green superpower ambitions.
'This budget is an opportunity for "Future Made in Australia" to strengthen Australia’s economic security by turning the nation's renewable advantage into real industrial capability. The funding is largely in place, and the priority now is coordinating and accelerating it to deliver projects on the ground.'
For interviews, please contact:
Ella Healy | +61 492 265 437 | [email protected]
Climateworks Centre bridges the gap between research and climate action, operating as an independent not-for-profit within Monash University for the past 15 years. Climateworks Centre develops specialist knowledge to accelerate emissions reduction, in line with the global 1.5°C temperature goal, across Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
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