Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

Amongst the range of policies to tackle climate change with which we went to the election were, of course, first, an emissions-trading scheme and, second, a renewable energy target. We on this side of the chamber do believe it is necessary to ensure that you bring renewable technologies into the market over time. We understand that in terms of shifting this nation over time to a lower carbon future we have to bring more renewable technologies on stream. That is why we are committed to ensuring at least 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity supply comes from renewable sources. It is a transition mechanism that will help prepare the electricity sector to contribute to the significant emissions reductions that will be needed to address climate change.

But again I ask: who on the other side actually supports their leader? Is it you, Senator Bernardi, who is in the camp of people who are sceptical about climate change? Is it you, Senator Chapman? Do you believe this is an issue?