The Minister for Climate Change, Cassy O'Connor rejected out of hand conservative Liberal Party plans to abolish the Tasmanian Climate Action Council.

Ms O'Connor said that with conservative governments across the country winding back climate action programs and initiatives, and the Liberals in Western Australia wanting a Royal Commission because they don't believe the science of climate change, it is vital that progressive governments show both responsibility and leadership on climate change.

"Sadly, Will Hodgman's Liberals seem to see it as a virtue to be following the irresponsible course set by their counterparts on the mainland, who are winding back climate action programs and funding in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Western Australia," Ms O'Connor said.

"Members of the Tasmanian Climate Action Council fulfill a critically important role in helping the Tasmanian Government get the policy settings right to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves under the challenge of global warming.

"The recently completed review of the Tasmanian Climate Action Council made many recommendations in regard to how the next Council could be more effective and influential in its advice to government, but in no way suggested that the State would be better off without a Council.

"The Tasmanian Climate Change Office does a brilliant job working across government, but they are also supported through the independent advice and expertise of Council members - climate scientists, community leaders, planning, energy, health and legal experts who we are privileged to have working with us to achieve our State's legislated 2050 target.   

"One of the key findings from the report and something that is addressed in the recommendations is the need for the Council's advice to engage and influence Ministers and Agencies across government, and I would argue through the halls of Parliament as well.

"Council members have been important generators of ideas and advice, and I personally commend them and warmly thank them for their work on the Government's first ever Climate Action Council.

"A process is underway to appoint the next Tasmanian Climate Action Council who will help to guide us through the state, national and international level regarding climate change policy since 2008, and will be far better equipped with a "known" policy environment of the Clean Energy Future package."