Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, President and Senator Whish-Wilson, for drawing me back. As you would know, Senator, we as a government disagree with the approach that you would advocate, which, in our view, would wreck the prospect of progress in international climate negotiations. It makes for good slogans and good T-shirts but in no way advances the position on climate or energy. Fifty-two per cent of Australia's oceans are already protected. We're working towards highly protecting 30 per cent. That does not mean, and it should not mean, stopping Australia's gas exports or the need for us to provide gas for industry, much of which means lower emissions and sustainable Australian industry. The approach advocated by you is bad for the environment, bad on global emissions, bad on climate progress and bad on jobs. (Time expired)