My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Minister Wong. Last week, the Albanese government approved another fossil fuel project, an extension to a coal mine in Queensland. On the very same day, the UN issued its first prediction that the world will not be able to constrain global warming to 1½ degrees. Minister, can you confirm that 37 coal and gas projects have been approved by this government since May 2022 and explain how this is consistent with the government's alleged commitment to a safe climate?

First, in relation to the UN reports, I have looked at those and, yes, I think all of us should look very closely at what is being told to us, what is being reported. I would also note that the El Nino event, which the globe is currently experiencing, is projected to be the worst in many centuries, so I am not one that you have to convince about the importance of acting on climate and the importance of changing your economy to deal with changing climate and to deal with the imperative of reducing emissions, which is why one of the great tragedies in history was when your party voted with Tony Abbott and Cory Bernardi and Nick Minchin. You can put your head in your hands but that is the reality, because that actually would have changed the Australian economy, and we all understand the way you betrayed the climate for short-term political gain. You lined up with Tony Abbott. Can you believe it—the Australian Greens lined up with Tony Abbott! That is your legacy. That is your legacy when it comes to climate. I will also give you another number. Guess how many renewable energy projects as at 7 September 2026—146 renewable energy projects. Oh dear, Senator Henderson's going to get very upset at that now—146 renewable energy projects.

Please resume your seat, Minister Wong. Senator Waters.

A point of order on relevance. My question asked whether you can confirm that there were 37 coal and gas projects approved by your government.

Excuse me, Senator McKim! I remind you that not only are interjections disorderly but that the minister is entitled to respond to them, so I would urge all of you in this chamber to just not say anything once you've asked your question. Minister, please continue.

I didn't actually hear which project you were talking about, but, if it is the Saraji mine, I would make two points: this is not a new coal mine and it is already covered by the safeguard mechanism with its baseline declining to zero by 2050. I would just make the point— (Time expired)

Senator Waters, first supplementary?

The catastrophic flooding that occurred in Nepal was triggered by a glacier collapse driven by the climate crisis. Yet on his recent trip to the Pacific, the Prime Minister was asked about the role of climate change in the Nepal disaster and he said 'now is not the time'. My question is: if now is not the time, when is a good time to talk about the fact that Australia is fuelling disasters like this by being the world's second-largest fossil fuel exporter?

Thousands of people missing, hundreds of people dead and 36 Australians still missing, and you want to play politics with this issue?

Order!

Thoughts and prayers.

Senator McKim, which bit of 'order' doesn't apply to you? Senator Waters.

Senator McKim, come to order. Minister Wong. Senator Shoebridge. Senator Waters, a second supplementary?

On the very day your resources minister was in the NT cutting the ribbon on Tamboran's enormous Beetaloo gas fracking project, Australia's Bureau of Meteorology warned about the upcoming super El Nino. Can you explain to the Australian people who are waking up to bushfire warnings today and preparing for a deadly summer ahead why you are continuing to put corporate profits of the big polluters ahead of the safety of people and nature.

What I would say to Australians and what I do say is we are committed to reducing our emissions. We are committed to transforming our economy. We are committed to ensuring that we transition one of the world's most carbon intensive economies to a much more low emission economy. We recognise that that is a challenge, and we recognise that that is not something where you can simply flick a switch. It requires thoughtful and considered economic policy, environment policy and energy policy. What I would say to them is that we are committed to that. Opposite us, we have people who still rail against renewable energy, and down there to our right we have people who are much more interested in outrage than outcomes, who think that policy is all about politics. (Time expired)