The statement today by the Minister for the Environment, Ian Campbell that “the debate on climate change is over” is only newsworthy because for 9.5 years the Howard Government has been lethargic and played politics over climate change.

To avoid dangerous climate change, Australia needs a little less conversation and a lot more action from the Howard Government.

In December 1997, John Howard proclaimed the Kyoto Protocol was a “stunning diplomatic success” and “a win for the environment and a win for Australian jobs”.

In June 2002 John Howard back-flipped and stated he opposed the Kyoto Protocol. In 1997 John Howard was right about Kyoto, but he’s wrong now.

The Kyoto Protocol is an important part of the solution to a global problem. Our isolation on Kyoto is a national scandal.

Not ratifying Kyoto means Australia cannot contribute to how the world is dealing with climate change. 156 other nations are having a say, but Australia is not.

Climate change is a real and present danger to Australia. The Environment Minister has finally identified the threat, but the Howard Government has not taken meaningful action on climate change.

Under Howard Government policies, Australia will increase its greenhouse pollution by 23% by 2020.

The defeat of flat earthers such as Minister Macfarlane in recognising the reality of climate change, by Senator Campbell is welcome – but we need action.