UnitingJustice Australia has contributed to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s public consultation into Australia’s post-2020 emissions reduction target. We argue that the primary objective of the target must be to contribute effectively and appropriately to avoiding dangerous climate change, begin Australia’s transformation to a robust and successful low-carbon economy and allow Australia to act with credibility in the continuing international climate change negotiations. We recommend that Australia adopt a target of at least 40% of 2000 levels by 2025 and commit to making the transition to a very low carbon economy by 2050. Reaching such a target will involve policy measures such as reinstating a price on carbon, reducing reliance on coal-fired power plants, strengthening the renewable energy sector and increasing support to the mitigation efforts of developing country neighbours.