Legislative Council Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1) 55 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Answers to Questions COP31 COP31 The Hon. T.A. FRANKS Legislative Council COP31 In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS ().6 February 2025). The Hon. K.J. MAHER Legislative Council Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Attorney-General Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector Special Minister of State COP31 The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State): The Premier has advised: The Malinauskas Labor government has announced an investment of more than $8 million to begin preparations for Adelaide to play home to one of the world's biggest events—the COP31 climate change conference to be held in November 2026. The commonwealth government has selected Adelaide as its preferred city to host the United Nations event, should Australia's national bid for the conference be successful. In order to secure host status ahead of larger cities, the state government commissioned a feasibility analysis which confirmed Adelaide has both the capacity and capability to host the event, which would bring tens of thousands of business travellers to the city. Analysis found hosting the event would deliver a potential benefit to South Australia of $511.6 million. This includes economic activity generated by tourism, trade and investment as well as improvement to the brand of Adelaide and South Australia worldwide. The South Australian Business Chamber has advocated for Adelaide to host the COP, pointing out it would boost the economy and further cement the state's credentials as a world leader in renewable energy, enhancing Adelaide and South Australia's global image. South Australia is a global leader in decarbonisation, with 75 per cent of its energy coming from renewable sources and a target of net 100 per cent renewables by 2027. COP31 offers a unique opportunity for our state to display its credentials as a leader in the transition to a carbon neutral economy on an international stage and provide an exceptional boost for our economy.