Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I think that's a matter of scientific record. Climate change has an effect on the marine domain as it has an effect on the terrestrial domain, and so forth. I may say, in addition to that, that one of the things which we know is occurring and which is a risk particularly for Pacific island regions and South-East Asia is the effect that these phenomena—which include warming but also different patterns of warming in different currents—are having on fish stocks. Let's remember one of the things that we forget, because we obviously have a large continent that produces a lot of beef and meat: the primary source of protein for much of our region is fish. One of the things that we have engaged in detail about with Pacific island nations, Indonesia and others is how we can ensure we secure fish stocks at a time when climate change is, amongst other things, impacting upon the availability and pattern of fish. One of the ways in which we can do that is obviously the regulation of fishing, but, more broadly, there are environmental measures as well in relation to oceans.

There is a broader issue of how we as a country will ensure that we play our part in tracking the path from Paris towards net zero by 2050. We are determined to do that, and the report that was released overnight by UNESCO in relation to the reef recognises the work that this government is doing in the face of climate change. I don't think that, on this side of the parliament, you've had the same views that have been expressed on the other side for over a decade, questioning the science. Where we disagree—and we do disagree—is with your policy propositions. (Time expired)