Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to address an issue of upmost importance, and that is the recently released AR6 synthesis report: climate change 2023. This report, produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive assessment of the state of the climate crisis, its impacts and the options for mitigating and adapting to its effects. This report leaves room for no doubt. The earth's climate is changing alarmingly, and human activities are the primary cause. The report confirms what we already know: Australia is experiencing the effects of climate change, including more frequent and intense weather events such as bushfires, floods and droughts. These impacts are only going to get worse if we do not take immediate and sustained action.

That's why it's so important for this parliament to pass our reforms to the safeguard mechanism. Thank you to the crossbench for their support for this landmark legislation in this House. I would encourage all those in the Senate to support it too. This week, our parliament and our democracy are faced with the opportunity to pass the most ambitious plan for emissions reductions this country has seen, after 10 years of climate neglect and denial from those opposite. Australia used to be a leader in climate action. Under their watch, we failed, but now it's time for us to return to that position. Pass the safeguard reforms.