Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—There were two motions made pursuant to standing order 164. I am advised that Senator Carr has been in contact with the Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism’s office in relation to the order seeking the tabling of a document which is described in the order. The order was made yesterday afternoon seeking the tabling of the document at 4 pm today. The government is considering its response to this order and will provide that response to the Senate on the next day of sitting.

Secondly, I can advise that I have been in contact with the Minister for Finance and Deregulation’s office in relation to the order seeking the tabling of the strategic review of the Australian government’s climate change programs. The government is considering its response to the order which was made yesterday afternoon seeking the tabling of the document at 4 pm today. The government’s response to the order will be made on the next sitting day.

As both orders relate to climate change related matters, I will take this opportunity to draw the Senate’s attention to the very real issues and the serious situation Australia faces as a consequence of climate change. The government through the Prime Minister and through Senator Wong, the Minister for Climate Change and Water, have been dealing with this issue very comprehensively. Whether it is signing Kyoto or through a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the Rudd government is preparing Australia for the challenges of the future by tackling climate change and securing our water supplies. Australians know that acting now on climate change is the responsible thing to do. The government is committed to helping Australian families take practical action in their homes to reduce energy use, save on energy bills and make a real contribution to tackling climate change.