8 May 2025 – Following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s re-election, Pacific island leaders and civil society voices are calling for a new era of climate leadership and solidarity. With Albanese confirming his government’s bid to co-host COP31 with Pacific nations, expectations and hopes across the region are rising.

In his victory speech, Albanese emphasised the need for collective action on climate change, stating:

“We will be a government… for every Australian who knows that climate change is a challenge we must act together to meet for the future of our environment, and knows the fact that renewable energy is an opportunity we must work together to seize, for the future of our economy”

The Pacific’s response is clear: the coming years are a huge opportunity, and a critical moment for real action, not just words. That means a truly collaborative approach to hosting COP31 across the region; delivering on our shared aspiration toward a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific; sparking greater international cooperation on the just transition away from coal, oil and gas production; delivering meaningful finance to enable this transition for all; and supporting frontline communities bearing the brunt of climate impacts already.

Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner, Climate Envoy of the Republic of Marshall Islands, said: “The recent Australian elections present an opportunity for Prime Minister Albanese to demonstrate true solidarity in the Pacific’s fight for climate action in the months and years ahead. Australia’s historic production of fossil fuels has been deeply harmful to our island homes and communities, but we now have the chance to transition to a safer future for all – one where dangerous coal, oil and gas deposits are left in the ground.

For decades Pacific Island countries have been at the forefront of international climate policy. With public support for stronger climate action and a proposal to co-host COP31 in our region, Australia has a golden opportunity to work together toward a plan to keep fossil fuels in the ground. The Albanese government must now translate its renewed mandate into bolder climate commitments, starting with an ambitious and science-aligned NDC that reflects our shared aspiration towards a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific.”

Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Meteorology, Geohazards, Environment and Disaster Management for the Republic of Vanuatu, said: “We welcome Prime Minister Albanese’s re-election and acknowledge his commitment to tackling climate change together. This promise, made in front of the Australian people and the world, must now be fulfilled through concrete action and ambition. As the Pacific faces rising seas and increasingly extreme weather, Australia’s pipeline of possible new coal and gas projects are set to release billions of tonnes of CO2, burning through the global carbon budget that is essential for our survival.

The Australian government must align its policies with the urgent needs of our communities by strengthening its NDC, supporting Pacific-led initiatives like the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and ending coal and gas expansion. COP31 must be a turning point—one that delivers a truly just and equitable transition.”

Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Fiji Government, said: "Fiji is committed to a just and equitable energy transition—one that is anchored in community-first principles. But we cannot do this alone. Our progress depends on strong partnerships and shared ambition across the region. As Australia prepares its bid to co-host COP31, there is a unique opportunity to demonstrate regional climate leadership by aligning its national targets with the urgency we face in the Pacific and supporting pathways away from fossil fuel dependency. What we now need is not more rhetoric, but genuine investment in regional energy access, scaled-up climate finance for community-led solutions, and a commitment to climate actions that reflect the spirit of solidarity we all value."

Brianna Fruean, Samoan climate activist, said: “Albanese says the future is renewable—and yet, his administration has kept the fossil fuel tap running in his first term. In the coming months and years, the Pacific hopes for more. Australia’s continued pursuit of coal and gas expansion must be addressed head-on. They cannot continue to approve new fossil fuel projects and subsidise this dangerous industry while positioning themselves as climate champions for the Pacific. If Australia is serious about our future and wants to host a high-integrity COP31, it must shift its resources towards supporting a global just transition, especially for our islands that are already on the frontlines of this crisis.”

Jacynta Fa’amau, 350.org Pacific Campaigner, said:

“Pacific communities in Australia voted on issues that matter to us, issues that align with our values. Young Pacific Islanders living in Australia know that the cost of living crisis is connected to the climate crisis and we deserve to have a future free of both.

The result is an indication that Australia isn’t falling prey to the divisive politics of the far right, but there is still work to be done. Labour has made climate promises in the past and we intend to hold them accountable to these. While this election means Australia voted for renewable energy over dangerous nuclear tactics, we will continue to push the new government to take real action to phase out fossil fuel production. This starts by ending the approval of new coal and gas projects.”