Australian Notes: A Christmas Wish and a New Year's Resolution
This Christmas, my only wish was for Adelaide to host the next climate conference. I know the $2-billion price tag would be a waste of taxpayer money, but the world's elite flying in on private jets to lecture us about climate crime could have been a powerful statement. Imagine the irony of Mike Cannon-Brookes, flying in on a private jet after missing his company's climate targets, or Twiggy Forrest's hydrogen-fuelled superyacht having to anchor in the Great Australian Bight. And let's not forget Meghan Markle's lecture on over-consumption.
The cost of Australia reaching net zero is estimated at $9 trillion, so the conference could have been a worthwhile investment. But my first wish was dashed, and I'm now focusing on my second: a new energy minister for the new year.
The Prime Minister's decision to pull out of Australia's bid to host the climate summit was a blow to our energy minister, Chris Bowen, who was making a strong case in Brazil. The Prime Minister's nervousness about net zero is evident, as his decision was driven by concerns over his energy record, which is filled with broken promises and lost jobs.
The Liberal and Nationals' opposition to net zero has brought a real policy fight, and they now have a fighting chance of winning. The backflip on hosting Cop 31 and the speed limit plan shows the government's vulnerability. The Regulatory Impact Assessment, which suggested reducing speed limits to reduce CO2 emissions, was abandoned after a campaign by us.
The latest climate conference in Brazil failed to agree on phasing out fossil fuels, with Middle Eastern countries refusing to agree to any text. The talks were labeled a 'clown show' by a negotiator, and the United States' absence was almost mocking. China's request for developed countries to hit net zero ten years earlier, while increasing coal production, further highlights the hypocrisy.
Despite the failure, Chris Bowen signed an agreement with just 24 countries, representing less than 10% of global economic output and none of our top 15 trading partners. His agreement aligns with a radical international court opinion, which contradicts the Australian government's own submission.
Bowen's appointment as 'co-president' for the next climate conference is a sign of his isolation. His failure to lower power prices means he has no hope of ending Australia's coal and gas exports anytime soon. The Prime Minister should give the country a Christmas gift by appointing a full-time energy minister for 2026.
Join the discussion and share your thoughts below!
