Senate debates Motions

Climate Change


Sarah Hanson-Young

Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens

3:45 pm

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes the Flinders University research published in Nature's Scientific Reports, which shows that 'climate change and human activity are dooming species at an unprecedented rate via a plethora of direct and indirect, often synergic, mechanisms';

(b) notes that climate change is, without a doubt, the biggest threat to life on our planet; and

(c) calls on the Federal Government to develop and implement a serious climate and energy policy, with a plan to reduce carbon pollution and overhaul our environmental laws to protect life on earth.

Anne Ruston

Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines

Sue Lines Deputy-President

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston

Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific

Australia is playing its part in addressing the global problem of climate change. We have a comprehensive set of policies across the economy. The Liberal-National government is supporting threatened species through practical on-ground measures like the Emissions Reduction Fund, which is reducing emissions and delivering co-benefits including for threatened species, and through other programs like Regional Land Partnerships. Through the Threatened Species Commissioner, we have mobilised over $300 million for protecting threatened species since 2014.

Sue Lines

Sue Lines Deputy-President

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 1221 standing in the name of Senator Hanson-Young be agreed to.