Bob McMullan (Fraser, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Federal/State Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Later today a petition will be presented to the House which was presented to me by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition at the launch of their Adopt a Politician campaign here in Parliament House. This event was organised by Emma Kefford, the AYCC ACT coordinator. The petition raises a lot of very important issues about climate change. Amongst other things, it says:

As young Australians we say that climate change is no longer an issue for tomorrow, it is an issue for today. It is time to transform understanding into action.

…       …            …

We recognise that the current extent of climate change is human induced. We no longer have the luxury of continued debate; the time for action is now. As young Australians we are ready to make this change. We call upon all Australians to join us.

It goes on:

Climate change poses a disproportionate impact on our Pacific neighbours—

this is a very important point that our young people make, and I am proud of the way they put this—

less developed nations, and marginalised peoples worldwide. Australia has an obligation to assist these vulnerable communities.

…       …            …

Economic sustainability and livelihoods depend on our natural environment. We believe the cost of goods and services should reflect their true environmental and social cost, and government subsidies should be directed towards renewable energy rather than fossil fuels. Australia’s economic interest lies upon realising the potential of sustainable innovation.

The petition goes on to urge the House to ratify the Kyoto protocol and take a leadership role in its upcoming second phase. (Time expired)