It has been a whirlwind two weeks since I was sworn in as a Senator on July 1, 2011 and I now have the chance to pause and reflect a little.
Most of my time so far has been spent in Canberra, learning the ropes and becoming used to many new practices and a new culture. It has certainly been a steep learning curve and at times my brain has felt so expanded that I couldn’t imagine fitting any more in. Among others, I’m having to learn the art of being eternally vigilant – ever ready to respond to those relentless parliamentary bells that wait for no woman (or man)! They signal the fact that a “Division” (a recorded vote) is about to occur and we have 4 minutes to get to the Senate from any corner of the labyrinthine corridors. There is no room for elegant deportment – speed is of the essence. This certainly cultivates a distinctly Pavlovian instinct (as in dog, not dessert!)
While the usual housekeeping duties: getting to meetings, organising my office and “wrangling” the technology, have taken up my time, the announcement of a major tax reform – and one that the Greens are so passionate about –has been uppermost in my mind. It is a great reminder to me about why I’m here.
The Greens were founded as an environmental party but we’ve since become the third voice in Australian politics on all the many, broad issues that affect our lives.
As a representative of the Greens, I’m passionate about fairness: in mental health, for Aboriginal Australians and for Veterans but I’m also passionate about protecting our environment for future generations.
The Greens have been working tirelessly with the Government and the independents, Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott, to ensure Australia isn’t left behind when it comes to moving to a clean energy future. Through goodwill and hard work, they have come up with a package – the Clean Energy Package – which offers some real hope in transforming our economy to a cleaner, smarter place. In particular I pay credit to my colleague Senator Christine Milne who has consistently articulated a strong and clear vision of what it will take to get us moving.
For too long our reliance on polluting technologies has jeopardised our environment and led to what we now know is man-made climate change. For too long we have acted as if we can live outside the environment, ignore it or, if push comes to shove, at least “negotiate” with it. There are now many indications from around the globe that this is a nonsense and that we ignore environmental truths at our peril. Polluting has many costs which have been ignored until recently. Climate change is a particularly big one. Finally, having market-based measures is a way to factor in the pollution that threatens our survival and reminds us that we have to do something about it.
Climate change threatens our survival as a species and some of the startling reports I’ve read paint a bleak picture of an unrecognisable Australia by 2100. But we can choose not to go there.
More extreme weather events, the collapse of the Amazon rainforest or Greenland ice sheet or even the release of powerful greenhouse agents such as methane from under the ocean floor all are cited as potential complications that will then compound the problem.
There is no logical choice but to play our part in turning things around. The argument that a carbon tax here won’t do enough is irresponsible. As the highest polluters per person in the world, we must take responsibility for our own backyard. How can we justify to our kids and grandkids that we knew what we were doing – and the consequences for them - but chose not to act?
The Clean Energy Package is more than just a price on carbon pollution; it is a comprehensive bundle of complementary policies designed to encourage and support renewable energy, energy efficiency and recognise the crucial role farmers and landholders can play in storing carbon and looking after the environment.
It will also take the politics out of this issue – and put back the science. Independent agencies like the Climate Change Commission and the Renewable Energy Agency will consider the science in overseeing the programs. The arms-length Productivity Commission will have a role in assessing claims about the effects of the tax on trade-exposed industries. Governments will be accountable for their actions, as measured by the science.
This package is a start for Australia– but a great start. Market-based responses have support from most economists and the package lays the foundations for science (and not opinion) – based action. Rather than setting limits and ceilings, it will allow us to respond effectively as more information comes in.
Countries like Germany already have begun a complete power revolution, yet still boast healthy industry and strong GDP growth.
Australia too can, and must, make the switch.
I am proud to be part of the Greens and look forward to working with a team that is committed to the reform that Australia needs: a team that cares about jobs, prosperity and a clean, green future for our children.