The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. Sue Lines ) took the chair at 09:30, read prayers and made an acknowledgement of country.
Climate Change (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2022
… the most comprehensive modelling ever done for any policy by any opposition in Australia's history since Federation.
… will see electricity prices fall from the current level by $275 for households by 2025, at the end of our first term if we are successful.
… countries that reduce production of fossil fuels under the assumption that renewables can quickly replace them face substantial economic and geopolitical risks—
… overall increasing global temperatures, increasing climate variability, increasing rainfall variability, increasing extreme weather events, increasing sea surface temperatures, sea level rise, increasing acidification of our oceans, and the melting of glaciers and the ice caps.
… their increased frequency and severity, and their increased spread across the country and across the year, beginning earlier and continuing later. Think of the likely loss of life that will occur, and the personal losses, the personal costs, and the public costs of dealing with increased bushfires. Victoria's Black Saturday bushfires of February 2009 cost the community more than $4 billion … and this does not include the health and social costs and the flow-on costs to business.
I spoke this week to a young woman whose family has a vineyard in South Australia. Her father is despairing. He does not have any superannuation. His whole wealth is based on his vineyard. He can see the value of his vineyard evaporating before his eyes, every year, when the quality of his grape crop crashes because of extreme summer heat or when it is affected by smoke taint from bushfires occurring where bushfires just have not occurred before. She is advising him to sell up now, before it is worth absolutely nothing. He is reluctant, but he is depressed and despairing. This is the cost of climate change.
The ALP's 2030 target of a 43% emissions reduction is consistent with 2˚C of warming globally. Under this level of warming, if sustained, the Great Barrier Reef would very likely be destroyed, along with all other tropical reefs in Australia and elsewhere. At the global level the most extreme heat events could be about three times more frequent than in recent decades, and in Australia the highest maximum temperatures about 1.7˚C hotter. In other words, an intense heat event that might have occurred once in a decade in recent decades could occur about every three years and would be significantly hotter.
We have a duty of care to people and nature suffering and under threat from global warming. We do not have the right to turn a blind eye to the consequences of our dirty economy.
My agenda for my time here is clear. I want to be able to look my grandchildren in the eye and tell them that it was during my time in the Senate that Australia turned the corner and legislated to begin the shift to a zero-carbon safe climate economy.
The business model to operate when you're using a casualised workforce is to keep everybody hungry, lean and green.
When my mother went through cancer, I couldn't tell her that I would support her to appointments, because, if you're not available to pick up a shift, they don't offer you a shift the next time.
I was with the Qantas group of companies just shy of 16 years … I managed to work for wholly owned subsidiaries or labour hire firms … but never actually worked for Qantas Airways.
… … …
… each time to slowly erode the high value of pay and conditions that once existed in the legacy part of the airline.
… … …
… on any given day, you would have crew employed under four different contracts. So we had our wholly-owned New Zealand-based subsidiary, the UK-based subsidiary, and then you had your two Australian subsidiaries.
Of course, if Europe does not stand up to Russia in Ukraine, a clear message will be delivered to China on the question of strategic ambiguity over Taiwan. It will signal that the West does not have the strength—or the will—to defend smaller liberal democracies and that, if you push hard enough, the West will capitulate.
This is how the Nazis treated the Jews, maybe it's time for....!!!!
That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Finance (Senator Gallagher) to a question without notice asked by Senator Ruston on distribution priority areas and health.
That the Senate take note of the answers given by the Minister representing the Minister for Social Services (Senator Watt) to questions without notice asked today.
That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 31 October 2023:
The extent and nature of poverty in Australia with particular reference to:
(a) the rates and drivers of poverty in Australia;
(b) the relationship between economic conditions (including fiscal policy, rising inflation and cost of living pressures) and poverty;
(c) the impact of poverty on individuals in relation to:
(i) employment outcomes,
(ii) housing security,
(iii) health outcomes, and
(iv) education outcomes;
(d) the impacts of poverty amongst different demographics and communities;
(e) the relationship between income support payments and poverty;
(f) mechanisms to address and reduce poverty; and
(g) any related matters.
That, in accordance with section 5 of the Parliament Act 1974 , the Senate approves the proposal by the National Capital Authority for capital works within the Parliamentary Zone, relating to new construction and refurbishment works at West Block.
(1) That there be laid on the table, by the Minister representing the Attorney-General, by no later than 14 September 2022, any documents and communication held by the International Command of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) related to training, capacity building, the provision of equipment and technology and advisory activities provided by the AFP to Myanmar police, intelligence or Ministry of Home Affairs personnel since 1 February 2021.
The Senate divided. [15:46]
(The President—Senator Lines)
That if the second reading debate for the Climate Change Bill 2022 and a related bill has not concluded by 7.20 pm on Wednesday, 7 September 2022:
(a) the hours of meeting be 9.30 am till adjournment;
(b) the routine of business from 7.20 pm be consideration of the Climate Change Bill 2022 and a related bill—second reading speeches only;
(c) the Senate adjourn without debate at the conclusion of the second reading debate or on the motion of a minister, whichever is the earlier; and
(d) if a division is called for after 7.20 pm, the matter before the Senate be adjourned until the next day of sitting at a time fixed by the Senate.
The Senate divided. [15:55]
(The President—Senator Lines)
That—
(a) the time for the presentation of the report of the Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards be extended to no later than 1 December 2022; and
(b) a message be forwarded to the House of Representatives seeking the concurrence of the House in this variation to the resolution of appointment of the committee.
That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Prime Minister, by no later than midday on 12 September 2022:
(a) any briefing notes, file notes and any written communication between the Prime Minister and his office and the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and/or his office in relation to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations' letter to the President of the Fair Work Commission (FWC), dated 2 September 2022;
(b) any briefing materials, file notes and any written communication produced by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet that were provided to the Prime Minister and/or the Prime Minister's office in relation to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations' letter to the President of the FWC, dated 2 September 2022;
(c) any briefing materials, file notes and any written communication produced by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet that were provided to the Prime Minister and/or the Prime Minister's office in relation to the proposal of multi-employer bargaining; and
(d) any correspondence between Minister Burke and/or his office and any official from the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union, including but not limited to Mr Alex Claassens and Mr Mark Diamond.
That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, by no later than midday on 12 September 2022:
(a) any briefing notes, file notes and any written communication between the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations (Minister) and/or the Minister's office and any member of the Fair Work Commission (FWC), including but not limited to the President, any FWC staff, including but not limited to the General Manager, in relation to the Minister's letter to the President of the FWC, dated 2 September 2022;
(b) any briefing materials, file notes and any written communication produced by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations that were provided to the Minister and/or the Minister's office in relation to the Minister's letter to the President of the FWC, dated 2 September 2022;
(c) any briefing materials, file notes and any written communication produced by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations that were provided to the Minister and/or the Minister's office in relation to the proposal of multi-employer bargaining; and
(d) any correspondence between the Minister and/or the Minister's office and any official from the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union, including but not limited to Mr Alex Claassens and Mr Mark Diamond.
Parliamentary Privileges Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Bill 2022
That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the Parliamentary Privileges Act 1987, and for related purposes. Parliamentary Privileges Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Bill 2022 .
That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was forced to extend its inquiry by twelve months in April, partly because it's had trouble getting important information out of the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Department of Defence.
Commissioner Nick Kaldas was asked about it in an ABC interview with Patricia Karvelas last month. It's worth documenting his response.
Karvelas referenced the DVA and Defence delays and asked, " … has information been more forthcoming over the past few months [since the inquiry was extended]?"
Commissioner Kaldas replied, " Not as yet. We 're still waiting for some things to be resolved ."
Karvelas said, " I consider that—please correct me if I'm wrong—quite alarming. You're a Royal Commission … Does it concern you that, you're a Royal Commission, with Royal Commission powers, and that you've found it so difficult? "
The Commissioner told it to her straight: " Yes, it does."
This bill addresses one of the biggest barriers stopping the Royal Commission from doing its job: parliamentary privilege.
I don't move it lightly.
Parliamentary privilege has protected the same witnesses and whistle-blowers who fought so hard to get this Royal Commission established.
It protects people who have come to me and told me the horrific things going on in Defence.
It gave me power to fight for them.
But the Parliamentary Privileges Act isn't working well when it comes to Royal Commissions. It gets in the way when those Royal Commissions need to examine the actions of government.
Instead of protecting people with no power, it's shielding people in power from scrutiny.
That's why the Veteran Suicide Royal Commission's hit roadblocks.
The Royal Commission wants to ask the hard questions. They want to bring Defence officials and officials from the DVA on the stand and drill down on them.
It's what we set them up to do. But they can't do it.
Don't take it from me. Take it from the Royal Commission itself. The interim report says that privilege " impedes transparency surrounding government decisions and acts as a shield for the executive from accountability for the ir commitments and actions taken to implement matters subject to privilege. "
That's because parliamentary privilege prevents courts and tribunals (including Royal Commissions) from drawing inferences or conclusions from a report or inquiry that is subject to its protection.
That's why the Royal Commission says it can't inquire into the work and outcomes of prior Senate inquiries and Auditor-General reports, even though its terms of reference require it to do so.
The Royal Commission can't admit documents subject to privilege and draw conclusions from them.
It can't ask witnesses who worked on audits of Defence and DVA programs to give evidence about their investigation—not if it wants to use that evidence to make any meaningful findings, anyway.
And if it wants to use evidence that's subject to privilege in its findings, the only way to do that is to redraw that evidence from witnesses. It has to redo the work, rerun the inquiry.
It has to tip toe around everything we've done in Parliament up to this point.
All that work that's come before, all the work we did in the Senate, the Royal Commission can't use it to come to any conclusions about what the government's been up to all these years.
It's a terrible waste.
Take what happened with the 2021 Auditor-General report into the successes and failures of cultural reform strategies in Defence.
The report matters to the Royal Commission. It made a number of recommendations on how to improve the health, wellbeing and safety of ADF members. Defence's response to the audit is relevant to the terms of reference for the Royal Commission's inquiry.
It's publicly available on the Auditor-General's website and has probably been downloaded thousands of times.
But the Royal Commission hasn't been able to use the report in any meaningful way.
Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission found that parliamentary privilege prevents them from asking Defence representatives questions about the report because they can't make any kind of finding or conclusion from evidence that's subject to privilege.
They wanted to show parts of the report on screens at one of the Royal Commission's public hearings. They wanted to tender it, to refer to it in questioning.
Parliamentary privilege prevented them from doing so—the risk of being accused of making findings from protected information was too great.
They had to make clear that the Royal Commissioners should not make any conclusions or findings on the basis of the Auditor-General's research.
All that work. It's useless to them.
The Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission make it through by looking for official documents that were published outside Parliament and that reference the findings and outcomes of inquiry reports.
In one case they were lucky enough to find an official document outlining the recommendations and government response to the 2017 Senate inquiry report, The Constant Battle: Suicide by veterans .
They used this document—instead of the report itself—to get people in the witness box and look at what the Australian Government did in response to the inquiry's recommendations.
It worked then, but it's not sustainable.
We can't have a situation where it comes down to pure luck whether the Royal Commission can get to the evidence it needs to meet its terms of reference.
This Royal Commission has been hard won by thousands of veterans and their families who knew it was our only shot to call out the terrible failures of government that led to hundreds of veterans taking their lives.
There's nothing higher than a Royal Commission. We don't have anywhere else to go.
But even here—in an inquiry with the strongest investigative powers you can imagine—we see how far executive government will go to avoid transparency and avoid accountability.
It just goes to show how hard it is to get to the bottom of the terrible problems with Defence and Veterans' Affairs.
That's why we're moving to enact recommendation 7 of the Royal Commission's interim report.
The provisions of this bill follow the Royal Commission's recommendation precisely, to exempt Royal Commissions from paragraph 16(3)(c) of the Parliamentary Privileges Act, where their terms of reference require examination of government.
Exactly what the Royal Commission asked for.
I know it's a serious thing to open up an exemption to privilege.
But this Royal Commission is important too. All Royal Commissions are.
And if the Royal Commission says they have a problem, they have a problem.
We can't ignore what they're telling us.
We've got to find a way to make sure Commissioner Kaldas and the other Commissioners can turn over every stone—every rock—and get to the bottom of what's gone so terribly wrong in Defence and DVA.
That should be the goal of everyone in this place.
Senator Tyrrell and I will talk to anyone and everyone about how we fix the problems the Royal Commission's found.
That's why I hope to send this bill to an inquiry so we can thrash out the issues that the Royal Commission's raised.
But we've got to act now and we've got to act fast.
This Royal Commission has been too hard won for us to stuff it up now.
All those people who rocked up on cold mornings to protest.
The mums who came to Parliament to tell the PM about the sons they lost.
The brave soldiers and veterans who've stood up and given evidence, even though it hurts, even though it takes them to a dark place.
Everyone we've lost.
Our veterans and our defence personnel are relying on making this Royal Commission a success.
This has to be our last inquiry into veteran suicide.
It has to be. Seventeen inquiries in seventeen years.
We can't go through any more.
So, I call on Labor today—take this seriously. Come to the table and help us figure this out.
You helped us win this fight, and veterans won't forget that.
But now you're in government and you're responsible for making sure this inquiry—the last inquiry we'll hopefully ever have—you're responsible for making it work.
Yes, that will mean hard decisions.
Yes, that will mean upsetting some apple carts. Being brave.
It's worth it.
That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Treasurer, by no later than 10 am on Wednesday, 14 September 2022, all data held by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in connection with:
(a) live births in Australia for the period from 1 January 2021 to 6 September 2022, by month and state or territory;
(b) provisional mortality statistics for May, June and July 2022; and
(c) causes of death data for 2021.
Pursuant to standing order 75, I give notice that today I propose to move "That, in the opinion of the Senate, the following is a matter of urgency:
The Stage 3 tax cuts will cost $244 billion over the next ten years, and give billionaires, CEOs and politicians a $9,000 tax cut, while people on the minimum wage get nothing. Repealing these unfair and unjust tax cuts could fund immediate cost of living relief and make people's lives better by putting dental and mental healthcare into Medicare, building affordable housing, and making childcare free."
That, in the opinion of the Senate, the following is a matter of urgency:
The Stage 3 tax cuts will cost $244 billion over the next ten years, and give billionaires, CEOs and politicians a $9,000 tax cut, while people on the minimum wage get nothing. Repealing these unfair and unjust tax cuts could fund immediate cost of living relief and make people's lives better by putting dental and mental healthcare into Medicare, building affordable housing, and making childcare free.
The Senate divided. [17:34]
(The Acting Deputy President—Senator Marielle Smith)
That the Senate take note of the report.
That the Senate take note of the report.
Australian Government
Australian Government response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security report:
Interim Report
Inquiry into Extremist Movements and Radicalism in Australia
September 2022
Recommendations
Recommendation 1: The Committee recommends that the Australian Government consult with the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security of the 47th Parliament on t erms of reference with a view to referring to the Committee an inquiry into extremist movements and radicalisation in Australia.
Response:
The Government agrees with this recommendation and will refer this matter for inquiry with updated terms of reference to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security of the 47th Parliament.
That the Senate take note of the document.
Defence, Veterans' and Families' Acute Support Package Bill 2022
That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
The Government is committed to continuously improving and adapting to the needs of currently serving defence personnel, veterans and families.
Families play a pivotal role in supporting our current serving Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans. The nature of military life is unique, and families can also be deeply affected by military service.
For most veteran families, military service is a largely positive experience. However, some may need support to manage challenging life circumstances such as mental or physical health episodes or sudden, significant events such as loss of employment.
The Australian community has a clear expectation that veterans and their families will be well looked after. This is an important task and responsibility of government—a solemn commitment.
That's why it's disappointing the former Liberal-National Government did not deliver on its incarnation of this commitment, failing to get legislation passed in the 46th Parliament.
This legislation goes further than what was previously proposed.
It will enhance the existing program by expanding services available to families in times of crisis and allowing families greater choice in how they use those services.
It will better equip working age families to adjust to new or challenging life circumstances when they occur and also in the future.
This legislation will better improve support for families who are bereaved, and those who are in crisis—no matter the nature of that crisis.
We want to ensure supports are wrapped around families when they need it—and quickly.
I am pleased to be introducing this legislation today, as it demonstrates the new Australian Labor Government's commitment to addressing the veteran crisis, providing greater support to defence and veteran families and delivering a better future for veterans and families.
This Bill implements an initiative to expand the existing program that provides support for families of those who have provided service to our nation—their husbands, wives, partners, fathers, mothers and children.
It is support like gardening—to take the pressure off when families have bigger things to think about.
It's childcare—so families dealing with the loss of a family member have some back up.
Or indeed, to support parents with their caring responsibilities when one gets sick and can't care for their kids.
It's counselling, to expand access to support for family members when they need it.
Importantly, this support will not be dictated to families.
Every crisis is different and every family circumstance unique. We know that families deserve more than a cookie cutter approach, they deserve services personalised to their needs.
That's what this legislation allows.
49 widowed partners and their families, and 120 veterans and their families, have been assisted by the existing package over the program's lifetime. Approximately 430 families and 450 widowed partners are expected to benefit from the acute support package in the first year.
Families make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of our Australian Defence Force members throughout their careers, their transition from service, and their lives beyond the military.
The role of family can be especially important in the treatment and recovery of ill or injured individuals throughout their life. Families are also impacted by the unique nature of military service.
This Bill responds to Recommendation 19 of the Final Report of the Senate Inquiry into Suicide by Veterans and Ex-Service Personnel, The Constant Battle: Suicide by Veterans . It also responds to recommendation 19.2 of the Productivity Commission ReportA Better Way to Support Veterans , going further than the recommendation to ensure veterans and their families are well supported.
This initiative enhances support to families by expanding the services available through the existing program, while allowing families greater choice in how they use the services provided.
If a family lives in a town house or apartment, they don't need gardening, but may need support for their child experiencing mental health concerns.
These supports will be tailored for families with different needs in special circumstances.
A young veteran living with his parents, experiencing mental health episodes that mean his mother has moved to part time work to provide more care for the veteran, can nominate his mother to receive support such as counselling or help around the home, to help her cope with her caring role.
The partner of a veteran who has left the relationship recently because of domestic violence will be eligible for support direct from the Department of Veterans' Affairs, without the veteran being notified or required to do anything, protecting her safety and supporting her to establish a new life.
The partner of a veteran who separated three years ago, whose children are now experiencing mental health issues will be eligible to get support for counselling, psychology or other wellbeing support for the children.
The partner of a 45 year old veteran who needs to return to work full time as the veteran's health has worsened and is now unable to work, can access child care support so she can increase her hours or attend a course to increase her skills.
A single parent veteran whose child is struggling at school academically and socially due to mental health concerns, can access tutoring support for the child and other counselling and wellbeing supports for the child and themselves to help them support their child.
A recently widowed partner of a veteran can access cleaning, gardening and meal preparation to assist them at a time when doing the day to day things seem impossible and they need to focus on themselves and their children.
This initiative demonstrates the commitment this Government has to families, and recognises the crucial role that they play in supporting their veterans.
The Defence, Veterans' and Families' Acute Support Package will also be available to more veteran families than before, through its expanded eligibility criteria.
While it is not a crisis service, it will allow families who have experienced crisis to access intensive support to adjust to new or challenging life circumstances, complementing other Department of Veterans' Affairs and government services.
This initiative will provide at-risk veteran families with access to a range of services that meet their health and wellbeing needs, up to a cap of $12,500 over two years.
Families will be able to access services to the value of $7,500 in the first year, and $5,000 in the second year.
In addition, families with children can access additional support services to the value of $10,000 a year for each child under school age and $5,000 a year for each primary school aged child, until the child reaches high school.
Also under this initiative, widowed partners can access support services to the value of $27,835 each year for two years, for services such as cleaning, gardening and other help around the home, to provide counselling for them and their children, and skills-based support such as mental health first aid and other practical support for the family's wellbeing.
They will also have access to the additional support for children under high school age.
The Bill will achieve this by amending the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, theVeterans' Entitlements Act 1986 and theS afety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 to establish the Defence, Veterans' and Families' Acute Support Package.
This Bill also includes review rights for decisions made under this program, something not previously proposed.
This Government is committed to supporting veterans and their families.
We want our service personnel, veterans, and veteran families to know that Australia is proud of them and that our country will always be there for them.
I commend the Bill.
That the question be put.
The Senate divided. [18:12]
(The President—Senator Lines)
That the question be put.
The Senate divided. [18:37]
(The President—Senator Lines)
The Senate divided. [18:43]
(The President—Senator Lines)
Climate Change (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2022
While this legislation is not necessary for the Albanese government to embark on the policy actions we sought and received a mandate for, it is best practice.
… we have designed our Powering Australia plan so that it can be implemented whether legislation passes or not …
… its intended that emissions reductions in electricity generation throughout all sectors of the economy be achieved using renewables with storage. In view of the embodied carbon emissions in wind, solar and storage devices it is physically impossible to achieve net zero using these devices. Their constant replacement, weather dependency and lack of reliability will render methods of negative emissions such as carbon sequestration or atmospheric removal entirely uneconomic.
One feels justified in this because the momentum transferred by radiation is so small that it always drops out as compared to that from other dynamical processes.
The Pakistani people are facing a monsoon on steroids—the relentless impact of epochal levels of rain and flooding.
These concerns are bolstered by evidence from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry admitting that they have done no modelling on the impacts of the Climate Change Bill 2022 and the Climate Change (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2022 on rural and regional Australia.
Environmental groups which provided evidence to the Committee refused to rule out using this legislation to challenge agriculture, primary producing, infrastructure, energy, resources, or forestry projects.
Coalition Senators are also gravely concerned that Infrastructure Australia could not explain the consequences of the Bills on their own decision making.
The agency could not explain how they would weigh the emissions of applicant projects versus the job creation opportunities … When asked repeatedly how this legislation would alter Infrastructure Australia's decision making, officials stated: 'We're still determining that' and 'We are receiving advice on it at the moment'.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy and Water has admitted it has not undertaken any monitoring and how these bills will impact regional and rural Australia.
The committee heard testimony that farmers are already troubled by the land already locked up by governments.
For Australians under constant cost-of-living pressures, any rise in power bills will have a detrimental impact on their lives.
… decarbonising the electricity sector in a cost-effective manner while maintaining high levels of electricity security requires policymakers to recognise and equitably allocate system costs to the responsible technologies.
… while all technologies impose some system costs, variable, intermittent, and uncertain sources of power generation impose far greater grid-level system costs, which is why it is so important to take a systems level perspective when comparing costs of variable renewables with nuclear, baseload hydro, and fossil generation.
All low-carbon technologies, including nuclear energy must be included in relevant discussions about the energy transition in order to maintain the integrity and evidence base of the policy dialogue.
The policy implications of these systems costs findings are significant. It may be possible to reduce emissions to meet 2030 targets by growing the share of variable renewables in the mix. However, the costs of reaching net zero with high shares of variable renewables are likely prohibitive.
… looking further ahead in a scenario consistent with climate goals, expected supply from existing mines and projects under construction is estimated to meet only half of projected lithium and cobalt requirements and 80% of copper needs by 2030.
This mine has one of the largest concentrations of Aboriginal recorded sites on it in the Hunter Valley including a recorded mythological sight. The concentration of sites has not happened by chance but is the result of over 30 operational open cut coal mines in the Hunter Valley. Currently the coal mining operations in the Hunter Valley have had a significant impact on Wonnarua heritage and Wonnarua people have only 3% of our country left intact.
At the end of the motion, add ", but the Senate:
(a) notes that in the time between this bill passing the House and being debated by the Senate, the Government has opened up 46,758 square kilometres of ocean acreages for new oil and gas exploration; and
(b) acknowledges the advice of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the International Energy Agency, that to meet the Government's own target of net zero by 2050, no new coal, oil or gas infrastructure can be built."
To achieve the net zero transition, we are going to need to build a lot of big things and many distributed small things around the country: major new mines for lithium, for rare earths and for a range of other inputs …
By 2030, globally, we need to increase lithium production fourfold, double rare earth element output, deliver a 67 per cent increase in nickel and produce 32 per cent more copper.
In terms of what is being suggested, we will need a lot more copper investment to occur, and nickel and cobalt to occur.
I don't think we're on the right trajectory with things like copper; we're not exploring enough and not finding enough of the new mines of the future.
… our hope is that by legislating the target and providing a transparent and accountable framework for its delivery, the legislation might even reduce the uncertainty that can sometimes be a driver for litigation