Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to restate the commitment given to Goldstein at the last federal election. At the 2019 election, as with the previous ones, the coalition took two important positions. One was that a coalition government would not fund or build a new coal-fired power station. Of course, I am technology neutral, and if it's economically competitive it doesn't need government assistance. For long-term investments, it's entirely reasonable that the government offset sovereign risk by providing mechanisms, but they must reflect all government policies with respect to affordability, reliability and emissions reduction. Secondly, consistent with our commitment under international treaties and our commitment to the Australian people at the last election, Australia will achieve net zero in the second half of this century, as the Prime Minister keeps saying.

Of course international treaties should not be the basis of Australian law. We're not going to sell our country out like the Labor Party. International law exists to the extent that it's entrenched in Australian law. In a democracy, all legitimacy rests and comes from the people, including those who made sure the opposition weren't elected to government at the last election.

Ms Murphy interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Dunkley will leave under standing order 94(a)

The member for Dunkley then left the chamber.

Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As with other policies, we honour them despite a difference of opinion. We took a position to the Australian people, and that is the position I honour and will continue to honour for the people of Goldstein and of course as part of this coalition government.