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Climate Change and Energy Policy

Published on: November 2022

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-129427

Climate Change and Energy Policy

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (15:07:59):

My question is addressed to the Treasurer, and Minister for Energy. Will he update the House on how the Government is taking action on climate change while helping families with their energy costs?

Mr MATT KEAN (HornsbyTreasurer, and Minister for Energy) (15:08:22):

— I thank the member for North Shore for her question. There is not a braver warrior for the environment in this entire Parliament. I am always impressed by her courage to stand up for what is right. I acknowledge her outstanding leadership. I thought denial was a river in Egypt and then I worked out it was the Leader of the Opposition's climate and energy policy. That is right, the climate denier-in-chief is the Leader of the Opposition. On this side of the House, we have delivered the most forward-leading energy and climate policies anywhere in the nation. Our energy policies will modernise our electricity grid while providing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy, which will not just benefit households and businesses but set up heavy industry and manufacturing for success for generations to come. That is what good policy looks like.

At the same time, we will do it by creating thousands of new jobs, driving billions of dollars worth of investment into New South Wales and underwriting a new era of economic prosperity for our State for future generations to enjoy. That is just one part of the suite of nation-leading climate policies that we have in New South Wales. It includes our Electric Vehicle Strategy, rated by the Electric Vehicle Council as one of the best in the world. It includes our green Hydrogen Strategy, which will create new industries and underwrite a wave of investment and economic prosperity for generations to come, creating new jobs and new opportunities in regions such as the Hunter and the Illawarra. Obviously, our net zero industry program is supporting heavy industry to survive in a transitioning world.

Extension of time

These were all topics of interest for stakeholders around the world when I was at COP27 last week. We spoke to investors, representatives of financial institutions and policymakers who recognised our world‑leading policies when it comes to climate and the environment right here in New South Wales—policies that will not only deliver lower emissions but also grow our economy, create jobs and underwrite a new era of prosperity for New South Wales. That is what Coalition governments are always about—creating opportunities and prosperity for everyone in our State. That is what this Government has been about. I am proud to have been working with Premier Perrottet and Deputy Premier Toole to set up our State for success in the future. []

While I was there a serious climate threat was emerging right here in New South Wales. It was Chris Minns' Labor Party. What was he saying about the COP summit, the number one opportunity to collaborate around the most important climate and energy summit in the world? What did he say about a summit that was laying the foundation for driving down global emissions? He called it "gallivanting around the world". He is the chief climate denier in the Labor Party but he is not the only one. Not to be outdone was his deputy, Prue Car, who said that going to the conference was "swanning around talking about climate change", and then she laughed. Opposition members may think climate change is a laughing matter, but their record on climate change is an absolute joke.

Then there is the great progressive thought leader, the light on Pendle Hill and member for Prospect. The light was the shine coming off his metals. He said that attending COP, the number one climate and energy conference in the world, was a disgrace. Let me tell members what is disgraceful: Chris Minns and his Labor colleagues now take their talking points from One Nation. Mark Latham is writing their talking points when it comes to climate and energy policy. I used to think those opposite had no climate and energy policy because they were lazy; but clearly it is because they are deniers. They are taking their cues from One Nation and Pauline Hanson. It is a disgrace and it should be called out.