Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Australia's abundant natural resources provide an untapped opportunity to establish ourselves as leaders in the clean energy sector. But Australia is failing to rise to these opportunities, as we now sit at 52nd on the world's global Climate Change Performance Index, amongst the low-performing countries of the world. This is because this government's payment of fossil fuel subsidies continues and there is a continued approval of coal and gas projects. Not only have we dropped on the index but Australia has been graded 'low' in the index category of 'renewable energy' as the government continues to expand exploration and extraction of gas, putting fuel on global warming. You cannot claim a gold star for saying you're going to act on climate change and then continue extracting and expanding coal and gas mining.

First Nations engagement in climate transition is what we can look to for great opportunities. We know that the transition to renewable energy presents an opportunity to empower our local communities to benefit from the immense opportunities that climate transition presents. First Nations communities have resource-rich lands and deep knowledge of country and culture. We know that Indigenous led projects bring enormous opportunities to our regional and rural communities by driving improved health and wellbeing outcomes, providing much-needed investment in critical infrastructure and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

But there are significant barriers that remain. Access to capital is a major challenge. Many Indigenous communities, despite being asset rich, are cash poor due to over 200 years of systemic economic disempowerment. Without the necessary financial resources to begin project development, these communities are often excluded from meaningful participation in renewable energy industry and projects. While the government has expressed public support for harnessing this opportunity for traditional owners, words alone are insufficient and ultimately empty. What is needed is consistent, meaningful action to break down barriers, provide access to resources and ensure that Indigenous communities can lead and thrive in the transition.

What does this mean? The Aboriginal Clean Energy Partnership brings together the MG Corporation, Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation, Kimberley Land Council and Pollination in a groundbreaking collaboration. Together, they are pioneering a transformative approach to enhancing the self-determination and economic empowerment of Australia's traditional owners, particularly through the East Kimberley Clean Energy Project. This partnership represents an Australia-first model: a First Nations owned and led initiative focused on developing a commercial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia project in Western Australia. Where are the headlines? Why isn't the government absolutely knocking down the door to support this kind of project?

This partnership represents such a first. It is a landmark project in several ways, being the first 100 per cent green hydrogen and ammonia export venture in Australia and the first energy development to actively engage traditional owner groups as stakeholders in the project on their land. This project highlights the immense value and impact of First Nations majority owned partnerships. By implementing a co-design and co-creation approach, it showcases how clean energy projects on country can deliver significant benefits not just for Indigenous communities but for the entire nation. Each stakeholder holds an equal 25 per cent stake in the project, contributing complementary skills and strategic resources to its success.

This initiative is more than a clean energy project. It's a pathway for First Nations people to generate capital, improve living standards and reinvest in further renewable energy opportunities. By empowering Indigenous communities as leaders in the energy transition, this project plays a pivotal and vital role in Australia's shift from fossil fuels to sustainable clean energy solutions by empowering First Nations communities. For far too long, Indigenous Australians have been excluded from meaningful equity in traditional energy generation. This is a reality that must change, and a project like this is where you can start. While the Aboriginal Clean Energy Partnership has set a commendable example by actively engaging traditional owners, this approach must become the standard, not the exception. (Time expired)

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