David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

This bill creates a loophole within the safeguard mechanism for companies to effectively ship their emissions to our neighbours and somehow claim that they are meeting their scope 1 and 2 obligations. We've now heard from the coalition and the Labor government that gas companies are clamouring to see this passed and are lobbying hard. Minister King has written to Senator McDonald, urging her and the coalition to pass this. And yet I'm meant to believe that this isn't a loophole to the safeguard mechanism. The gas companies are just really keen to see this! Why would they be keen for this if it is not a loophole, a way for them to make good on these binding emissions restraints—plus loophole—and continue to expand?

I will move on to an actual question. Potentially this is one for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as well. What has been the assessed potential economic impact to our fisheries industry in the event of a spill or leak? What consideration has been given of the economic impact to the fisheries industry, and is there a plan being formulated to ensure that this doesn't happen and that the fisheries industry will be compensated in the event of a spill or leak?