"Insufficient" - Morrison's Climate Isolation Laid Bare

22 April 2021

SENATOR PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY IN THE SENATE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
LABOR SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

CHRIS BOWEN
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY
MEMBER FOR MCMAHON


Comments labelling Scott Morrison’s approach to climate “insufficient” confirm the Biden administration sees straight through Scott Morrison’s political spin, leaving Australia increasingly isolated ahead of the US Leaders’ Summit on Climate.

Describing Australia’s approach, a senior US official said: “it’s insufficient to follow the existing trajectory and hope that they will be on a course to deep decarbonisation and getting to net zero emissions by mid-century.”

With President Joe Biden expected to announce ambitious new targets for US carbon emissions, Scott Morrison’s lack of a credible plan – and divisions in his Government - are leaving Australia behind.

Shadow Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, said: “The world is moving on, and our economy and jobs will suffer because Mr Morrison is holding us back”.

“Like a student who didn’t study all year cramming for an exam, Mr Morrison is panicking. He is rushing out an announcement a day in the lead up to the summit, but everyone can see this is just desperate political management,” she said.

“The Morrison Government still has no net zero by 2050 commitment, still doesn’t have the long-term emissions reduction strategy promised two years ago, and is still full of people like Matt Canavan who attacks action on climate change as a magical fantasy.”

“Just as we are seeing with the vaccine rollout, Mr Morrison is all spin with no plan to deliver Australians on climate change. And his spin is being called out for what it is on the world stage,” said Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen.

“President Biden has made clear, with his $1 trillion investment in climate, that the world’s biggest economy is preparing for a clean energy future.

“Australia’s has a choice – we can start making the investments we need in renewables and clean economy jobs, or we can get left behind as the global economy races ahead.”

Deloitte has crunched the numbers:

  • $3.4 trillion economic hit and 880,000 fewer jobs from unchecked climate change over coming decades;
  • Or $680 billion dividend and 250,000 more jobs if we rise to the challenge.

With Scott Morrison in charge Australia will miss out on the jobs, the opportunities and economic growth that come from being a world leader in the industries of tomorrow.

Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.