George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Waters, I believe that coal is very good for humanity indeed—and it is particularly good for this country because it is our cheapest source of energy. It enables people who would otherwise enjoy a much lower standard of living than they do to enjoy a higher standard of living than they do, through paying lower electricity prices. The government is of course aware that there has been a very active debate about climate policy going on around the world for years, if not decades, now. And His Holiness the Pope, as the leader of one of the world's largest faiths, is perfectly at liberty to contribute to that debate, and we will consider respectfully what His Holiness has had to say—as we will consider all points of view.