Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's a privilege to read out a speech today as part of the Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign. Sophie from New South Wales says this: 'Massive floods, horrifying bushfires, smoke-filled summers and an increase in poverty—this is what our future will look like if we don't commit to a ban on fossil fuels. I want to grow up in a community safe from the risks of climate change, a community safe from the problems made from the people in the past. This can only be done if drastic measures are taken now. I want the kids in the future who grow up in this community to not have to deal with the mistakes made today. They should be free to live out their lives to the fullest of their abilities and not have to be limited by the effects of poverty caused by climate change. I want the generations to come to still be able to see animals like koalas, bilbies and quolls in their natural habitat before they're burned or flooded away. To do this, Australia needs to commit to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. To successfully reach their promised emissions goals, Australia will need to quickly bring in new laws regarding a ban on fossil fuels, invite more people to start using solar panels, electric cars and take public transport. In order to get 27 per cent below 2005 levels, we need to seriously reduce our emissions. In conclusion, we simply have to develop new laws to ban fossil fuels and use more renewable sources of energy as well as change our eating habits if we are to ensure a safe and sustainable environment for future generations.'