House debates

Wednesday, 23 June 2021

Statements by Members

Climate Change

1:53 pm

Photo of Tim WilsonTim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I'll resist the temptation to do my Gloria Gaynor impersonation for the benefit of the House, but I will use an advertising slogan, which is, 'Down, down, emissions are down' under the Morrison government. We continue to deliver. Emissions have dropped by 20.1 per cent compared with 2005 levels and continue to decline, according to the latest data. That's because our policy on cutting greenhouse gas emissions is based on outcomes and not on the mad ideology of our opponents. We are focused on the rollout of technology, particularly around renewables, which will deliver sustainable, reliable and affordable energy as part of a network for the country.

We saw that firsthand at the East Beaumaris Kindergarten, which received a $12½ thousand grant from the Morrison government to help them install new solar panels in their community kindergarten. The kindergarten's president, Joanna Jarek, explained that the solar system will reduce their electricity costs by 50 per cent a year and cut their annual greenhouse gas emissions by 5.3 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. The Community Energy Efficiency and Solar Grants program is just a small part of the Morrison government's 'tech to net zero' agenda to install renewables without increasing electricity costs or taxes. For too long, people have thought the solution is that Canberra imposes its solutions down. A Liberal government will always focus on how we empower communities and build the strength from the citizen, the family and the community up.