Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Birmingham for his explanation at length as to just how thoroughly the coalition has thrown in its lot with the fossil fuel and extractive industries—so thoroughly that it will not even contemplate this amendment. That is despite acknowledging the inconsistencies in the bill that I have been at pains to point out, and against that quite dense explanation of the coalition's position—for which I thank you, Senator, because it makes quite stark the degree to which you have sided with oil and gas multinationals at the expense of farmers and the environmental protection community. From Senator Conroy, we got nothing at all, beside the fact that you are just going to wait until the industry gets on its feet before you regulate. No wonder people are realising that the Greens are the only ones who can actually be trusted with the environment. I commend this amendment to the chamber.