Ruth Webber (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Abetz, the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources. Does the minister recall asserting last week that a target of cutting greenhouse emissions by 60 per cent by 2050 would ‘ensure that every child would live in poverty by the year 2050’? Is the minister aware that a 60 per cent reduction target has been supported by the CSIRO, as Australia’s top scientific advisory body; the Australian Business Roundtable on Climate Change; and Dr Ziggy Switkowski, the Prime Minister’s own nuclear adviser? Haven’t these experts concluded that Australia will be able to cut emissions by 60 per cent by 2050 and still maintain strong economic growth? Can the minister now explain what makes him think that he is right and business and scientific experts as well as the government’s own advisers are all wrong?