Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

In the relatively short time that I've had the privilege of being Prime Minister of this country, I've been to Fitzroy Crossing in Western Australia looking at the devastation that was there when that whole region was cut off because of the bridge being washed away. I've been to the Riverland in South Australia looking at the devastating impacts that have occurred there. I've been with the member for Riverina and the member for Calare, having a look at the damage in western New South Wales and the area just to the north of us here in Canberra. I've been to Far North Queensland, including with the member for Leichardt, to see the devastating impact that it's had in places like Wujal Wujal as well as in the northern beach areas of Cairns in particular. I've been to the Gold Coast hinterland and had a look at the impact there. What that tells us is that we are particularly vulnerable to these extreme weather events.

We have a very strong target that is legislated. For the first time we legislated net zero by 2050. We legislated for a 43 per cent reduction by 2030, and I thank the member for Warringah and others who supported that decision. We will of course take advice based upon the science, but we remain absolutely committed to acting on climate change. We're not just listening to the science but also being a part of global action on this issue because it is correct that no country in isolation can solve this. We need to work as part of the global community to make a difference for this generation, but, more importantly, for the generations to come.

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