House debates

Thursday, 27 February 2020

Statements by Members

Climate Change

1:48 pm

Photo of Matt ThistlethwaiteMatt Thistlethwaite (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Financial Services) Share this | | Hansard source

This is the New South Wales Liberal government's climate change strategy document. It's titled, in big, bold letters: Achieving Net-Zero Emissions by 2050. If you read over the page, in big, bold letters, it says:

Net-zero emissions is consistent with strong economic growth ...

They've even published a nice little graph that shows how the New South Wales economy will be better off if net zero emissions are achieved by 2050.

This is the South Australian Liberal government's South Australia's Renewable Energy Future document. There, once again, in big, bold letters, are these words:

South Australia is taking a lead in targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Tasmanian Liberal government is committed to net zero emissions by 2050. In fact, every single state and territory government throughout the country is committed to this goal. They joined companies like BHP, Rio, Qantas, the Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, the Business Council of Australia, the Australian Energy Council and 73 other nations in calling for net zero emissions by 2050. Why? Because it's the right thing to do by our economy, our environment and, importantly, our kids. The only organisation of people in this country who won't accept net zero emissions by 2050 is the Morrison government. When, Prime Minister, will you accept the science of climate change? When will you realise the facts about economic growth and climate change? When will you join with Labor and accept net zero emissions by 2050?