Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

What the government has determined is that it is absolutely critical to the future wellbeing of the Australian people that we are able to transform this economy to meet the enormous challenges of climate change. To do so we are prepared to work closely with the business community, and it is very important that we work with the community at large. That is why we have established the Australian Business Roundtable on Climate Change and that is why we have established the non-government organisations committee—to ensure that an appropriate policy framework is in place to protect the future for this country.

Those opposite are seeking to turn their backs on the future. They want to engage in the slur and innuendo of a program which, essentially, is equipping them to face up to the problems of the 1960s. We have now got to deal with a situation in the 21st century. Those opposite have failed to recognise their responsibilities to the future of this country and to the people of this country to ensure that we are able to protect the living standards of the Australian people.

Pretending that these things will just go away is not an answer. Pretending that we do not have to act on these issues is not an answer. We are in the business of ensuring that we get the investment in place to transform this economy to deal with the challenges of a low-carbon economy. The policies that are being pursued by this government are absolutely in keeping with ensuring that jobs for the future are protected and that economic opportunities for Australians are advanced. Pretending that these problems will go away is a terrible mistake. (Time expired)