Senate debates

Wednesday, 27 July 2022

Statements

Climate Policy

1:51 pm

Photo of Dorinda CoxDorinda Cox (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

We have a clear mandate on climate action but we can't tackle the climate crisis if we are still opening up new coal and gas projects. There are currently 114 new coal and gas projects in the investment pipeline, and many of these approvals will be coming across the government's desk soon. The Greens were incredibly disappointed to hear Prime Minister Albanese say that Labor will not be supporting a moratorium on new coal and gas, and now is not the time to be recycling lines from the coalition. Now is the time to be taking urgent action for a safer future for our children. If we open up new coal and gas projects we will blow our domestic targets and could possibly put at risk the global task of combating climate change beyond reach, because you actually can't put the fire out if you keep pouring petrol on it. The science is extremely clear: if you don't have a plan to phase out coal and gas, you don't have a plan for the climate emergency.

Our communities delivered a resounding mandate on climate action at the last election and our communities do not want empty promises and platitudes when it comes to the climate; they want coal and gas to stay in the ground. As the Greens spokesperson on resources, I promise to fight tooth and nail for a moratorium on new coal and gas across this country. From the Beetaloo Basin in the Northern Territory to Narrabri in New South Wales to Scarborough in my home state of Western Australia, these projects must be stopped.