Tanya Plibersek (Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) Share this | Hansard source

There are two general things that I can say to the member for Kennedy. The first is that Queensland can be a renewable energy superpower. We know that Queensland is perfectly placed for investment in solar, wind, hydro—indeed, it's great for renewable energy and the jobs that come with renewable energy that the Treasurer is so concerned about.

However, we know that this investment has to meet our environmental objectives as well. Climate change is a huge threat to the environment, but we know that individual projects also need to meet the environmental standards that we expect from these large developments, because we know that, of course, these sorts of large developments can have significant impacts.

Can I reassure the member for Kennedy about one issue he has also raised with me in the past. When it comes to renewable energy, he has talked to me about the impact of solar panels and other household renewable energy products. We have just held consultation on recycling for solar panels and small electric goods, because we know that our renewable energy future comes with it a responsibility to environmental issues today.

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