Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. I refer to Mr George Christiansen MP, who describes wind turbines as 'bird-chopping, eco-crucifix monstrosities' which are 'useless'. Does Mr Christensen speak on behalf the government?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Urquhart, even though it is the last question on Thursday afternoon, you get the prize for being the first opposition senator all week to ask a question about policy.

Senator Urquhart, I am not familiar with Mr Christensen's remark, but I am sure I can rely upon your attribution of those words to Mr Christensen. If he said that, I must say that is a rather flamboyant thing to say—almost a quixotic thing to say. However, what Mr Christensen says on the matter is his opinion and his opinion alone.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Urquhart, a supplementary question.

Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

How does the Prime Minister reconcile Mr Christensen's statement with his own statement only three months earlier:

South Australia is a leader in clean energy generation, also benefits from our programs which support renewable including of course the RET.

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The difference, Senator Urquhart, is that the Prime Minister's views are the views of the government and Mr Christensen's views are his own views. He is a backbencher, and one of the glories of my side of politics is we have a backbench that is entitled to have a different view from the executive, a backbench that is entitled to have a different view on policy issues from the frontbench.

This government supports renewable energy, as you know, and if you listen in particular to what Senator Birmingham, who represents the portfolio in this place, has had to say on many, many, many occasions this year you would understand how strongly this government is committed to renewable energy. That does not mean, however, that you cannot have a conversation about it.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Urquhart, a final supplementary question.

Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Why did the government choose to wage an ideological war against renewable energy rather than offering sympathy and support to South Australians during a time of crisis?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If there is one side of politics that is waging ideological warfare when it comes to energy supplies, Senator Urquhart, do not look over here because it is not us. Look at yourselves, Senator Urquhart; look at your allies, the Greens, if you want to see a political party that is waging ideological warfare on the question of energy supply and renewables.