Senate debates

Wednesday, 17 June 2015

Committees

Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference

3:52 pm

Photo of Larissa WatersLarissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 22 February 2016:

The influence of the Australian fossil fuel industry on the Federal Government, with particular reference to:

(a) the role and lobbying activities of the fossil fuel industry whether directly via peak industry bodies or via other lobby groups such as the Institute for Public Affairs, including but not limited to:

(i) weakening or limiting environmental protections, including the proposed transfer of federal approval powers to the states and territories,

(ii) opposing the minerals resources rent tax,

(iii) opposing the carbon price, the Renewable Energy Target and other climate change mitigation policies,

(iv) funding campaigns to promote the views of climate science deniers,

(v) limiting tax reform,

(vi) securing project approvals, and

(vii) initiating parliamentary inquiries;

(b) government subsidies to the fossil fuel industry;

(c) political donations by the fossil fuel industry to political parties;

(d) foregone revenue from fossil fuel companies' tax deductible contributions to peak industry bodies and other lobby groups, whose purpose is advocacy;

(e) the revolving door between government and the fossil fuel industry in relation to public servants, political staff and politicians; and

(f) any related matters.

Photo of Stephen ParryStephen Parry (President) Share this | | Hansard source

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Waters be agreed to.