Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That the amendments be agreed to.

Agreeing to these amendments will enable the Safeguard Mechanism (Crediting) Amendment Bill 2023 to become the law of Australia, following royal assent. These are sensible amendments which are in keeping with the government's election mandate and our agenda. As has been said many times in this House—I don't propose to detain the House—this enables us to get on with our important task of reducing emissions in our country and creating the jobs of the future, creating the jobs in a decarbonised economy. This is an important piece of legislation. It is unusual to interrupt the business of the House to do this on a Thursday afternoon, but it's vital that we do so we let industry get on with the task ahead of them.

I want to thank those members of good faith who worked with the government. The amendments reflect the discussions that have been held, very intensively, over recent weeks. I want to thank the senators and members of the Australian Greens, particularly the leader, the honourable member for Melbourne, who has focused with the government on those areas in which we could agree. There's been public commentary about the areas in which we disagree. We were able to focus our conversation on the areas in which we can agree and come together to provide an important piece of legislation for our country. I recognise the member for Melbourne and the Greens.

I want to recognise Senator Pocock, who is particularly concerned about carbon credits and integrity. We were able to have discussions with him.

I want to recognise Senators Lambie and Tyrrell, who are passionate about manufacturing jobs, particularly in Tasmania. We were able to reflect those conversations in the amendments and in the regulation.

I want to thank Senator Thorpe, who is particularly interested in the role of First Nations peoples in carbon trading. I particularly enjoyed my conversation with her about sea country and the involvement of sea country in carbon trading. I appreciate her support.

Far too much is spoken sometimes in this parliament about differences, and we have many, but it's important that parties and individuals of good faith can come together. I also thank the crossbench in the House, who've had many conversations with me and who have reflected views. I thank them for their support.

To achieve net zero, we cannot start in 2040 or 2045; we must start today. The best time would have been 10 or 15 years ago; the second-best time is today. This is an important day. The amendments are important.

I want to thank, with your indulgence, Mr Speaker, the Safeguard Taskforce in my department, led by Kath Rowley and Edwina Johnson. I want to thank my chief of staff, Andrew Garrett, and my senior adviser, Peter Nicholas, for their very intensive efforts on this most important task.

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