James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senators McDonald, Stoker, Watt, Scarr and Rennick, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) southern Queensland and northeast New South Wales have experienced devastating fires since last Friday,

(ii) while conditions have eased, the fire situation remains volatile, and

(iii) there are still around 120 fires burning across Queensland and New South Wales;

(b) further notes that the full impact of the fires is still being assessed; and

(c) recognises and applauds the ongoing professionalism and dedication of the career and volunteer emergency personnel fighting these fires.

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) | Link to this | Hansard source

The Greens support this motion, and we actually respect emergency services personnel enough to listen to their pleas to act on climate change, which is making bushfires worse. We're also listening to people in the affected communities, who also are desperate for their government to stop denying that we're in a climate emergency. Last week, Brock, a Queenslander, wrote to me on Facebook. He said:

As someone currently evacuated on the Sunshine Coast, NOW is the perfect time to talk about the link between climate change & the increased risk of drought & bushfires!

Longreach sheep and cattle farmer Jody Brown said last year, although it remains relevant:

If you're going to be serious about supporting farmers through drought and adapting to drought-stricken conditions, you need to be talking about climate change.

Last week, Mike said on Twitter:

If we are not allowed to discuss the dire consequences of #ClimateChange while those dire consequences are happening ...

... then we will be a long time silent.

This government needs a climate policy, a drought policy, some scientific advice and to stop taking the dirty donations from the coal industry.

Malcolm Roberts (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave not granted.

Question agreed to.