Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy President, I seek leave to make a one-minute statement.

Leave granted.

The government is taking a strong, credible and responsible approach to addressing climate change through policies which actually reduce Australia's emissions without a reckless carbon tax that punishes Australian families and businesses. The Emissions Reduction Fund actually reduces emissions—92 million tonnes in the first and second round ERF auctions. Unlike other countries, when Australia announces a target, we meet it. We beat our first Kyoto target and we are on track to meet and beat our 2020 target. We will reduce our greenhouse emissions by 26 to 28 per cent by 2030 from 2005 levels. Per capita emissions will be up to 52 per cent lower—the largest drop of any developed country. This is a strong, credible and responsible target. Australia is engaging constructively in international processes to finalise a new global climate change agreement at the December 2015 Paris conference. We are confident that Paris will deliver a strong global commitment involving action by all countries to help achieve the two-degrees goal.

Question agreed to.