Question Time AU

General Debate

Climate Change

House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate centred on a motion moved by Zali Steggall calling for increased government investment in climate adaptation and the establishment of a National Climate Adaptation Authority. Julie-Ann Campbell highlighted existing Labor government investments in resilience and renewable energy, while Nicolette Boele argued for upfront preventive spending to reduce reliance on volunteers and the military. The discussion focused on the economic costs of inaction versus the benefits of proactive adaptation measures.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Zali Steggall (Warringah) (Independent) Ind

Steggall moved a motion noting that climate change costs exceed $40 billion annually and could reach $73 billion by 2060. Steggall argued that current adaptation spending of $250 million per year is inadequate and called for an increase to 0.25 per cent of GDP, equating to $4 billion annually. The motion proposed establishing a National Climate Adaptation Authority, increasing financial assistance grants to local governments, and reforming the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax. Steggall emphasised the need for private-public partnerships with insurers and collaboration with First Nations to build community resilience.