Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

It is true that coal is our second-biggest national export earner. Obviously, on our side of the chamber, we continue to strongly support the coal industry. Do you know why? Because Australian coal is so much better than some of the other coal that could power plants in other parts of the world. This is a great contribution that we can make to lowering global emissions by exporting more good-quality Australian coal.

In fact, the Greens should be joining the long queue of investors into high-quality black coal projects, including opening up the Galilee Basin. We know that former Greens Senator Bob Brown used to be a very strong supporter of coal in his day—and I haven't got the front page of the Hobart Mercury in front of me right now. We know that historically he's been quite a strong supporter—and I'm sure that Senator Canavan may be able to wave the newspaper for the benefit of the chamber. I would encourage Senator Di Natale, if he really cares about reducing emissions, to back the Australian coal industry to export more— (Time expired)