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

As the senator would be aware, this is an issue that the government is very aware of. As I said, we published a study last year which looked at potential levels of sea level rise and the number of Australian buildings which could potentially be at risk. What the senator is asking about is really one of the manifestations of the costs of climate change. We know that climate change will affect, and is already affecting, our economy and our environment. We know that the Australian coasts are also under significant pressure. Certainly in my colleague Minister Garrett’s portfolio there is funding through the Caring for Coasts election commitment and, as I said, through my department we have also presented the national coastal risk assessment, which will assist, has assisted and is assisting local governments to better understand the risks. To be absolutely frank, can I say to the senator that this is an area that requires all levels of government to work together. (Time expired)