Senate debates

Tuesday, 2 April 2019

Motions

Climate Change

5:27 pm

Photo of Janet RiceJanet Rice (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I ask that general business notice of motion No. 1417 standing in my name for today, relating to climate change and support for a green new deal, be taken as a formal motion.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Is there any objection to this motion being taken as formal? There is. Formality has been denied.

Photo of Janet RiceJanet Rice (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

Pursuant to contingent notice, I move:

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent Senator Rice from moving a motion to provide for consideration of that motion.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Under the order adopted by the Senate, I now immediately put that motion to suspend standing orders without debate. The question is that standing orders be suspended to allow Senator Rice to have that motion dealt with in formal business.

5:33 pm

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President) Share this | | Hansard source

That concludes the discovery of formal business. Senator Ruston was seeking the call before we dealt with that last matter, so I call Senator Ruston.

Photo of Anne RustonAnne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Photo of Anne RustonAnne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | | Hansard source

In relation to notice of motion No. 1417, I make the following statement. Climate change is a global issue that requires a global solution and the government is committed to Australia playing its part in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. We have announced a $3.5 billion climate solutions plan—the largest single investment by Australia in emissions reduction. A new $2 billion Climate Solutions Fund will ensure that we meet our 2030 Paris commitments by supporting practical measures such as revegetation of degraded land, reducing waste, savanna burning and improving energy efficiency. And we will do this while growing the economy, creating jobs, protecting our environment and keeping power prices down.