This week on Q+A – The hotly-disputed pathway to net zero.
As world leaders prepare to gather in Glasgow, can last-minute talks between the Liberal and National parties deliver a deal that will put Australia on track to reach net zero emissions by 2050?
PM Scott Morrison says his target of net zero will deliver a benefit to jobs and the regions. But Labor wants any new targets to be legislated, a scenario which could see Coalition MPs pitted against each other on the floor of the Parliament.
And as the political squabbling continues, coal mining communities in places like the Hunter Valley and Central Queensland’s Bowen Basin say their voices are being lost in the debate.
Meanwhile after months of severe restrictions, lockdown is ending for Melbourne and regional Victoria on Thursday night. In NSW, more freedoms are on offer after the population hit its 80 per cent double-vaccination target earlier than expected. And Queensland Premier Annastacia Palasczuk has announced a phased reopening next month to those who are fully vaccinated.
Joining David Speers on the panel:
Simon Holmes à Court
Cleantech investor and Founder of Climate 200
Simon Holmes à Court is an energy analyst, clean tech investor, and the founder of Climate 200, formed to support the election of climate-focused independents to parliament at the next federal election.
Tim Wilson
Assistant Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reductions
Tim Wilson is the Federal Liberal Member for the Melbourne seat of Goldstein. He was first elected in 2016.
Chris Bowen
Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Chris Bowen entered Parliament in 2004. He is the Labor MP for McMahon, and the Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy.
Amelia Telford
National Director of the Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network
Amelia Telford is a Bundjalung and South Sea Islander woman and the National Director of the Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network.
Anne Baker
Mayor of Isaac Regional Council
After starting her local government service in 2007, Cr Anne Baker was elected Mayor of Isaac Regional Council at the 2012 local government elections.
