AVOIDING DANGEROUS CLIMATE CHANGE (KYOTO PROTOCOL RATIFICATION) BILL 2005

16/02/2005

Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler) (9.01 a.m.) —I move:

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent order of the day No. 6, private members' business, relating to the Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change (Kyoto Protocol Ratification) Bill 2005, being called on forthwith to provide the House with an immediate chance to debate and vote on the bill in the light of the following reasons:

(1)the fact that the Kyoto Protocol comes into effect today after being ratified by 140 countries and the European Union;

(2)climate change is the number one environmental challenge facing the global community;

(3)Australia is restricted from the economic opportunities arising from the global carbon trading market;

(4)Australia will not be able to benefit from clean development mechanism provisions contained in the Protocol which are designed to encourage renewable energy projects in developing countries;

(5)as Australia is on track to meet our Kyoto target of 108% of 1990 emissions by 2012, there is no reason for Australia to remain outside the international framework;

(6)Australia's ability to influence post Kyoto agreements will be undermined by our isolationist position;

(7)international security is advanced through agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol which promote a common purpose; and

(8)climate change is the ultimate intergenerational issue. Our response will be central in determining the quality of life of our children and grandchildren.