Climate Change Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has demonstrated that she does not understand the basics of her ministerial portfolio.
“In parliament today, Amber-Jade Sanderson response to a question seeking basic climate data on Western Australia’s emissions was frankly embarrassing and a real concern in the lead up to the Glasgow Climate Summit,” said Shadow Minister for Hydrogen David Honey.
“Amber-Jade Sanderson was unable to confirm Western Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
“Furthermore, when asked, the Minister was unable to outline even the most basic elements of Labor’s plan to reduce emissions in Western Australia.”
According to the National Greenhouse Accounts established under Australia’s reporting requirements under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Western Australian’s emissions were 81.3 Mt CO2-e in 2017 when Labor was elected.
According to the latest figures published earlier this year, Western Australia’s emissions were 91.8 Mt CO2-e for the 2019 year, an increase of 10.5 Mt CO2-e or 12.9%.
“Western Australia has had the largest increase in emissions in the country under WA Labor.
“In fact, if Western Australia had maintained 2017 emission levels Australia’s national emissions would have decreased.
“Concerningly, Amber-Jade Sanderson doesn’t even know the basic statistics on emissions let alone having a clear plan for positioning Western Australia to deliver emission reductions while creating jobs for the future.
“WA Labor’s and Amber-Jade Sanderson’s complete lack of knowledge and leadership on this issue in the lead up to the Glasgow Climate Summit is extremely disappointing.
“Given the Minister’s complete lack of understanding on the basics of her portfolio explains why Western Australia is losing massive green hydrogen projects to the eastern states and explains WA Labor’s failure to invest in Oakajee Industrial Estate and the critical infrastructure needed to position Western Australia for the future.
“The private sector is leading the charge on emissions reduction in Western Australia, including Andrew Forrest, while WA Labor are asleep at the wheel.”
