Kate Chaney (Curtin, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This month, Australia faces a critical decision. We must submit our 2035 emissions reduction target to the United Nations. This decision will shape our climate policy, guide investment and define our national direction for the next decade. It also contributes to the planet our children will inherit. Based on the evidence, I believe we must aim for at least a 75 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035, and there's strong support for this in my electorate of Curtin. The reality is that, even if the whole world does this, we're likely to see an increase in temperature of 2.3 degrees. So a 100 per cent reduction is preferable, but 75 is an ambitious target that we can realistically achieve. It keeps us on the narrow path to net zero by 2050 and positions us as a leader in the global transition. To aim lower would be to turn away from the science and the opportunity. To gain a competitive edge and position ourselves for prosperity in the net zero global economy of the future, we must send investors a clear signal of our commitment to transformation.

This decade presents a choice: we can cling to the climate wars of the past, settle for mediocrity or commit to building the industries, jobs and opportunities of the future. A target of 75 by '35 is that commitment, and all sides of politics should support it to end the climate wars and take a step forward to a future that's cleaner, fairer and more prosperous for all Australians.