Steph Hodgins-May Victoria, Australian Greens
2:27 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Minister Wong. Last week, the High Court ruled that governments must consider emissions from coal burned overseas when deciding whether to approve a coalmine. For the Mount Pleasant coalmine, those emissions count for 98 per cent of the project's total emissions. This was a fantastic win for the Hunter Valley community and, of course, for our planet. Minister, does the Prime Minister agree with this community and these science teachers that the coal dug out of the Hunter and exported to the world is causing climate change?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2:28 pm
Thank you, Senator Hodgins-May. Again, I acknowledge your election as deputy leader. In relation to the Mount Pleasant mine, as I understand it, there are three points I'd make. The federal government is not a party to the proceedings, so this is a matter for the New South Wales government. I'm also advised that the High Court did not consider the EPBC Act. The case does not relate to a Commonwealth decision. There are no outstanding applications, as I'm advised, before the Australian government in relation to this project. We'll obviously work through the judgement carefully and consider any broader findings. Any federal decisions are made in accordance with the national environmental law under the EPBC Act.
Steph Hodgins-May Victoria, Australian Greens
2:29 pm
So no acknowledgement of climate change. Minister, has the Labor government obtained legal advice on the Hunter Valley court case, and will it make it available to the public so that they can understand the ramifications of the case on any future coal and gas approvals?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
I'll take issue with the little riposte.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Well, no, Senator, you chose to put a political barb in, which I'm entitled to respond to.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator, I'm entitled to respond to your political barb. This government—
Tim Ayres NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Innovation
When they do it, it isn't a barb.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
When we do it—yes, there are very different standards. We are committed to acting on climate and we always have been. And we have worked, when we have been in government both this time and previously, to reform our economy to respond to the challenge of climate change. So I do take issue with the barb—
Steph Hodgins-May Victoria, Australian Greens
President, on a point of order, can you please draw the minister back to the question about legal advice—whether it's been obtained and whether they will make it public.
Sue Lines President
Senator Hodgins-May, as you are well aware, all parts of your question are relevant. You stood up and said, 'No acknowledgement of climate change.' That is what the minister is currently addressing, so she is being directly relevant to your question.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Again, what I am saying to you, Senator, is this government is acting on climate. What we recognise, unlike others, including your party, is that that is a big structural change in our economy that has to be manifested over time. (Time expired)
Steph Hodgins-May Victoria, Australian Greens
2:31 pm
Minister, will the Prime Minister rule out ever granting federal approval of the massive Hunter Valley Operations coalmine extension—prior to COP31, the world's biggest climate conference? Will he rule it out full stop, or will the hypocrisy continue?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator, what is actually being called for there is for the Prime Minister to go around the law. I would make the point that the Australian Greens are the defenders of proper process and the defenders of governments doing what they should in accordance with the law, except on this occasion, where they don't like what the result may or may not be. Now, we will apply the law. That is the obligation of ministers and decision-makers in relation to this issue—a law which was amended by this chamber in November of last year, with your support. So we will apply that, as is appropriate.