Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

It is quite clear from Mr Turnbull’s public statements that he does want to act on climate change. He was once one of the parliament’s strongest advocates for emissions trading, but since he has taken over the leadership, which I note he did so in part by campaigning against Dr Nelson on the issue of climate change, he has unfortunately been looking over his shoulder, watching his back against Mr Costello, worried about losing the support of the climate change sceptics such as Senator Cash. With Mr Costello now apparently out of the picture, we might see Malcolm Turnbull finally able to show the leadership to put Australia’s national interest ahead of his own political interests. Mr Turnbull should do what he knows is right. He should support action on climate change. Instead of looking over his shoulder, he now has the chance to look forward and look to the national interest.