Kate Chaney (Curtin, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

As we see the increase in floods and fires across the country, I think the majority of Australia will be really pleased to see this symbolic start to a new era. This gives us an opportunity to shift our focus from the past to the future. Australia really has an opportunity to have a bright future as a green energy exporter. Just as we have had waves of economic activity in the past that have been driven by foresight from previous governments and investments in infrastructure, this too represents a new era, where we have the opportunity to be thinking about what our economy will look like in 20 years time.

I am grateful for the collaborative approach that has been taken by the government in this first symbolic step towards the shift that we need to see in our broad economy. The Climate Change (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2022 lists a number of the places where we need to start, which is the beginning of the work that we need to do together. This transition will need to be smooth but will also need to be bold. I'm very excited to see this change and look forward to continuing the work that needs to be done.

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