Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much for the supplementary question. Senator Ellison, you are only too aware of the representation responsibilities in this chamber. I think you will also be aware that there are a range of responses around the world to these questions. Australia is taking its responsibilities seriously. It is an enormous pity, Senator Ellison, that in the 12 years in which you were in office you shirked your responsibility and so much time was lost as a consequence of your negligence and dilettante attitude to these questions. You basically sought to give aid and comfort to the climate change sceptics to the point where this country is not as prepared as it should have been to deal with these fundamental issues. Now we have a government that is keen to ensure that consultation occurs, that we prepare this country for the future and that we attract the necessary investments so that this country can meet the challenges of climate change.