Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I'm happy to try and respond as best as I can, Senator, but I'm sure that the minister, Minister Watt, could probably give you a more detailed answer than I can about EPBC approvals, which I think was part of your question. The government has made our position on climate clear. We want to continue to transition our economy. We believe that is economically responsible as well as responsible from an intergenerational and environmental perspective. We also know it is not easy. We also know we have historically had a very fossil fuel dependent economy, a very resource rich economy, and if we are going to transition responsibly we need to make sure we build those industries, including export industries, and those skills and capacities which will be needed in a world that is—pays a premium for lower carbon goods and services.

In relation to energy, you would know, because you have observed this over years, that the energy transition is a really important part of transforming our economy. We have traditionally had, obviously, a very fossil fuel dependent energy system, with all that that means, because we had access to lower price resources. Shifting that is not easy, and the government has worked on that with great intent since we came to government and with the legacy, as you know, of what 22 failed energy plans and climate denial over the previous government's term has meant. It meant that there was disinvestment. That is, people gave notice that they were closing coal-fired power stations and no-one wanted to invest further. That transition is something we have worked on since we came to government. There is a lot more to do, and the government will keep doing that work for the benefit not only of household budgets but of future generations. (Time expired)