Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

As is well understood, the government absolutely accepts that climate change is a global problem that needs to be addressed in a globally coordinated fashion. Indeed, Australia, as part of the global community, is doing its bit to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is doing so in a way that is environmentally effective and economically responsible. Indeed, if you look at our commitment to 2030 on a per capita basis it means a reduction in emissions by 50 per cent. On the basis of our emissions per unit of GDP we are committed to a reduction of two-thirds, which is more ambitious than the European Union, Canada, New Zealand and many other countries. What matters here is the policy position of the government. The policy position is very clear. We are committed to effective action on climate change, and we will leave the theological arguments to the Labor Party and the Greens.