House debates

Thursday, 13 May 2021

Statements by Members

Climate Change

1:55 pm

Photo of Julian SimmondsJulian Simmonds (Ryan, Liberal National Party) Share this | | Hansard source

We beat our Kyoto targets by 459 tonnes, we met our 2020 targets and now we're on track to meet our 2030 targets. Australia's emissions are now 19 per cent lower than they were in 2005. This is the lowest level since 1995, and we are on our path to net zero as well. This week the Treasurer again confirmed our commitment to continue to take real action on climate change. In this budget, we are committing a further $1.6 billion to fund technology like clean hydrogen and energy storage. The CSIRO at Pullenvale in my electorate of Ryan is leading the way on hydrogen. They know how passionate I am about their work and renewable energy. Australians are doing their bit when it comes to supporting energy storage as well. We have the highest uptake of solar panels in the world. We will reduce emissions further with technology and with the support of all Australians. We will create new jobs with technology, not taxes.

Importantly, we can do this because we are good economic managers. Whatever Labor and the Greens say, they cannot help our environment, because they simply cannot manage money. We understand the responsibility we have to care for our country and to care for our community. We will continue to protect our environment and our iconic natural assets. We'll do this because we have a strong economy, a strong plan and a rock-solid commitment to meeting our targets.