Climate change
Ellen SANDELL (Melbourne) (14:16): My question is to the Premier. Premier, more than 1300 people have been confirmed dead from flash flooding in Nepal caused by a collapsing glacier due to unprecedented global warming. Wildfires have been raging across Indonesia for weeks. Now scientists say that there is no way to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees. Yet, despite all of this, we have seen the Labor government, under previous Premier Jacinta Allan, approve five fossil fuel projects in the last year, including gas drilling near the Twelve Apostles, and pledge to fast-track more gas projects. Premier, we are about to head into a super El Niño here in Victoria. Will you continue down the path of approving new fossil fuels, or will you commit to banning approving any new fossil fuel projects in Victoria?
Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:17): Can I first acknowledge, as the member did, that my thoughts are with everyone in Nepal. I think all members from all parts of the chamber were at Federation Square recently, and I want to acknowledge the member for Broadmeadows as chair of the parliamentary friendship group with Mr Mulholland in the other place. I think what Nepal did show is that climate change is real, that the melting of the glaciers and whatever happens in Nepal affects the rest of the world. We all do know that Nepal, when it comes to climate change, has minimal effect on the world, but they are having devastating effects there now. I do believe in climate change, and I do believe in climate action. Whether it is tackling transport emissions, like our government is doing with the work of Minister D’Ambrosio, or whether it is the offshore wind auction that we have just commenced as well, we are on the side of action on this side of the chamber, not just words.
Ellen SANDELL (Melbourne) (14:18): I appreciate this government’s commitment to renewable energy and bringing down transport emissions, but, Premier, the science is very clear that fossil fuels cause climate change and the world cannot afford one more new fossil fuel project if we want to avert the worst impacts of climate change. Climate change is already having a devastating impact on our communities here in Victoria – fires, floods, extreme weather, a super El Niño. Parts of Victoria are already becoming uninsurable and in fact uninhabitable, so will you commit to a ban on any new fossil fuel projects in Victoria?
The SPEAKER: Member for Melbourne, I ask you to direct your questions through the Chair. It is to the Premier, not to me.
Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:19): Our government has made record investments in renewable energy. We know the natural assets we have – solar, wind. These are important resources. We know the green transition is an important opportunity for jobs, and having free TAFE and making sure everyone can participate in this transition is what our government will always do.