"The world is moving rapidly towards renewable energy, and we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Australia to jump ahead of the pack. But Prime Minister Morrison is leaving Australia increasingly isolated on the world stage on climate policy."

Address to the House of Representatives

Tuesday 23 November 2021

People in my electorate of Bean know first-hand that we have the most to lose from inaction on climate change. One only has to look at the summer bushfires of 2020 to see the evidence. But my community also knows that we have the most to gain both locally and globally from climate change action.

We are a territory powered 100 per cent by renewable energy, a target that's driving investment in our region and bringing jobs to the economy. The world is moving rapidly towards renewable energy, and we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Australia to jump ahead of the pack. But Prime Minister Morrison is leaving Australia increasingly isolated on the world stage on climate policy.

We on this side care about outcomes, not just announcements. We on this side care about conviction, not just convenience.

We will underpin our climate change policy with four key principles:

• net zero emissions by 2050 with a strong road map to get there;
• ambition backed by policy;
• understanding that climate policy is good jobs policy; and
• that regions, including our capital region, will be at the centre of those policies.

We will take action that will create jobs, drive investment, cut power prices and reduce our emissions.

The truth is—and it's time for honesty—we have to stop toxic politics and start addressing one of the great challenges this nation has faced. The opportunity is there, and Labor is ready to work with our communities to embrace it.