Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

The government does certainly acknowledge the severity that Pacific islanders see in relation to climate change issues. It's why we engage very seriously and thoughtfully with them on those issues. It's also why we believe that the first responsibility for a country like Australia, in making commitments as we have done in relation to emissions reduction, is to meet those commitments, and, indeed, to strive to exceed those commitments. It's why we are pleased that Australia has consistently done that, unlike some others. We also acknowledge that it is, therefore, a global responsibility—you don't get outcomes in terms of the emissions reduction that Pacific island leaders may wish to see unless other nations not only make commitments but also deliver on those commitments. The delivery is a key part that seems often to be put aside in the virtue-signalling aspects of this debate. For our government, we see delivery as essential, and that's where our focus is when it comes to emissions reduction.