The Andrews Labor Government has slammed calls by the Victorian Liberal Opposition for Australia to join the US in withdrawing from the Paris climate change agreement.
Despite Donald Trump’s announcement, the Labor Government will continue to stand with the rest of the world fighting climate change and doing our bit to reduce emissions, grow clean energy and create jobs.
However the Liberal Opposition’s commitment to tackling climate change is now in doubt with Liberal Member for Western Metropolitan Bernie Finn backing Donald Trump’s decision to walk away from the Paris agreement.
Earlier today Mr Finn shared an article on facebook regarding Mr Trump’s announcement saying “As should Australia! Well done, Mr President.”
Pressure is now on Matthew Guy to come clean about whether the Victorian Liberals believe in climate change, and whether they back meaningful action to combat it.
The Labor Government is leading the fight against climate change, introducing a renewable energy target of 40% by 2025 and passing the Climate Change Act, along with the New Energy Technologies Sector Strategy.
The $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund is supporting Victorian-based projects create long-term sustainable jobs, increase the uptake of renewable energy generation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive innovation in new energy technologies.
This is supported by the $206 million Investment Attraction and Assistance Fund which is attracting the best global talent and biggest international companies to invest in new low-emissions technologies in Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Pressure is now on Matthew Guy – does he back Bernie Finn or does he back action on climate change.”
“Victoria is open for business, and we encourage US businesses to relocate to our great state to continue developing new technologies and growing jobs. ”
“Along with Europe, China, and the rest of Asia – Victoria is embracing a low carbon future and the investment and jobs that come with it.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“There’s never been a better time to invest in Victoria. We believe the science and are taking steps to ensure we benefit from the global shift to a low emissions economy.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020