Tania Lawrence (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wish to acknowledge and celebrate with the thousands of people I met while campaigning in Hasluck who took the time to express just how important climate action is to them, as it is to me. These constituents, alongside community groups, like the Perth Hills Climate Interest Group and the Nature Reserves Preservation Group, are actively raising awareness of the need to act, as we have done in this place over the past fortnight. I am so glad our communities now have a Minister for Climate Change and Energy and a federal government that cares about climate change, listens to scientific advice and acts, as we have done today by passing the Climate Change Bill.

Where I live in Hasluck, we have experienced a 15 per cent decrease in average annual rainfall. This is our water catchment, and the decline poses significant threats to our food bowl, natural habitats and biodiversity. The sixth assessment report of the IPCC notes that human induced climate change is causing increased drought related tree mortality. This is the reality we now face. Local action is important. All community groups ask for is leadership at a national level that supports their local efforts. It is Djilba in Noongar country, the season of new life and a time of change. Hasluck voted for change and the government is delivering.