Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend business of the Senate notice of motion No. 5 standing in my name for today, proposing a reference to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee relating to the implications of climate change for Australia's national security.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ludlam, has an amendment been circulated?

Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, quite some time ago. I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 5 in the terms circulated in the chamber.

Leave granted.

I move the motion as amended:

That the following matter be referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 4 December 2017:

The implications of climate change for Australia's national security, with particular reference to:

(a) the threats and long-term risks posed by climate change to national security and international security, including those canvassed in the National Security Implications of Climate-Relate d Risks and a Changing Climate r eport by the United States Department of Defense;

(b) the role of both humanitarian and military response in addressing climate change and the means by which these responses are implemented;

(c) the capacity and preparedness of Australia’s relevant national security agencies to respond to climate change risks in our region;

(d) the role of Australia’s overseas development assistance in climate change mitigation and adaptation more broadly;

(e) the role of climate mitigation policies in reducing national security risks; and

(f) any other related matters.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government believes the Senate inquiry on this matter is unnecessary. The 2016 Defence White Paper addressed some of the implications of climate change for Australia's security. A Defence climate security advisor has been established within the office of the Vice Chief of the Defence Force Group to ensure that white paper guidance is integrated into all relevant areas of Defence business. Other actions being taken by Defence include but are not limited to the establishment of an environmental planning and advisory cell within Headquarters Joint Operations Command to integrate environmental considerations, including the impact of climate change into operation planning; the renewable energy program that aims to increase energy security and efficiency; and Defence representation at the Australian Government Disaster and Climate Resilience Reference Group.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Ludlam as amended be agreed to. Question agreed to.