Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

That is subject to further discussion. We are doing the Greens the courtesy of having a further discussion about how we can improve reporting in that regard, building on some of the reporting that is there already. I think that what the Greens are proposing there is very logical and sensible, because if we are talking about climate change as something which happens over a longer term period, it makes a lot of sense to put that in the context of something like the Intergenerational report and improve the reporting.

The Treasurer's letter, I think, laid out in a bit more detail how we would do this. It says:

… retaining a dedicated section on the environment including climate change and the effect of these policies and their impact on the Australian economy and the Commonwealth budget.

I will consult with the Australian Greens on the scope of what could be included within the section.

Then also in the additional debt statements, which may become due in due course if debt surpasses $50 billion also at any particular time, it talked about the reasons for the debt increase and would also to make some reference to whether they were climate change related spending as well. That was my recollection. Again, most of this will be the subject of further consultation. I think that is a good development. I think it is good that there is more transparency around talking about the impact of climate change. Evidence-based policy making means having information and using that information to make informed decisions, and I think what the Greens have suggested on that front is quite appropriate.