Laggard Australia now has the chance to act with gusto on climate policy

Australia needs a far more ambitious agenda than the one Anthony Albanese took to the election

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, left, is congratulated by Australian Governor-General David Hurley, right, after his swearing-in ceremony on Monday. Cost-of-living pressures loom large, and the sharper focus on international security saps the attention of Australia's government at the moment. Picture: Lukas Coch/AAP

This election marks a new start for climate policy in Australia. The newly elected Albanese government has the chance to do more than to make a start on selected policy measures: it can redefine the national conversation about climate change.

The central issue for Anthony Albanese and his government is social justice, not climate change. Cost-of-living pressures loom large, and the sharper focus on international security saps attention.