Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is always interesting to be in the chamber when Senator Fisher makes a contribution—we will not worry about any facts, we will not talk about the realities! What we need to do is put on the public record quite clearly that we on this side of the chamber, the Gillard Labor government, accept climate change and accept the science on it. We recognise that Australia’s economy and environment are at great risk from climate change. We are determined to act to reduce the impact of climate change on our great nation.

Opposing action on climate change is like sentencing our nation to a death wish. The coalition, with their failure to even recognise the science of climate change, are placing the future of our great nation in jeopardy. Our commitment to the Australian people is that we will maintain a stable nation. Australian parents want to know that their children and grandchildren will grow up in a nation full of opportunities. I repeat: we on this side of the chamber want to ensure that there is a prosperous future for our children and our grandchildren.