Ali France (Dickson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I completely understand why those opposite are so triggered and confused by our Minister for Climate Change and Energy's success on the world stage. Those opposite haven't seen success like that for years and years. This MPI really is a little bit embarrassing, right? Getting an exclusive role for Australia as President of Negotiations for COP31, closely directing the world's response to climate change, is something that those opposite could only dream of. It will give Australia the power to appoint cofacilitators, draft negotiation texts and issue decisions. Representing Australia on the world stage is in our national and economic interest. We understand that on this side of the House. Our neighbours in the Pacific are pretty happy with this appointment along with the pre COP meeting in the Pacific.

We also know that serving ministers in other countries have held the same position previously. Actually, if those opposite had done their research, they would find that seven out of 10 since Paris in 2015 have been serving ministers. One actually was a Prime Minister. While we know that those opposite might find multitasking quite difficult, rest assured our minister can walk and chew gum at the same time just like the previous seven ministers from other countries.

The opposition seems to absolutely love talking Australia down, but what this is really about is the coalition's absolute opposition to any action on climate change. What we're seeing here is what you could call the Nationals effect. The Liberals drop net zero to make the Nationals happy, and now they're talking Australia down to the world. Australians at the election made it very, very clear they want cleaner, cheaper, renewable energy. Most industrialised nations have committed to net zero emissions. Governments are setting ambitious targets and investing in cleaner technologies, and consumers are demanding more sustainable practices. Big businesses have shifted to net zero practices because if they want to be competitive and save costs they absolutely must. What would hurt Aussie families would be walking away from the table like those opposite have walked away from net-zero—shame! That would scare off investment, prolong ageing and unreliable coal and push up power prices.

Renewable energy is not just an environmental choice. It is an economic necessity, embraced by families right across this great nation. The Albanese Labor government is delivering a responsible energy plan that creates jobs, provides business certainty and lowers emissions. We have acted to provide three rounds of power bill relief, and we've capped gas prices and invested in cheaper renewables—all of which those opposite have opposed.

Wholesale electricity prices fell by a third last quarter. Nearly 140,000 homes and businesses across the country have installed batteries through our Cheaper Home Batteries Program, storing their sunshine, powering their homes and saving money off their bills. It's worth noting that the electorates with the highest uptake of rooftop solar are not necessarily the inner-city seats that you might expect but overwhelmingly regional and outer-suburban communities, many of them held by those opposite and the Nationals. Those households know it cuts bills and delivers cheaper, cleaner energy.

In his address to this year's COP, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy made clear that net zero is the engine room of global economic growth. Australia is leading, with a 2035 target of up to 70 per cent emissions reduction, record renewable uptake and partnership with Pacific neighbours. My message to those opposite is: Do better. Be for Australia, not against us.

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