Opened the debate
Whish-Wilson argued that funding for nearly 30 jobs at the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science was set to expire in three months, threatening critical research capabilities. Whish-Wilson noted that crossbench members, Liberal senators, and Independent Andrew Wilkie had jointly written to Minister Watt to seek continuity for these positions. The senator stated that scientists from this institution had recently returned from the Nuyina's maiden ice voyage and required job security to maintain global collaborative projects. Whish-Wilson expressed concern that ecosystem changes in Antarctica were potentially irreversible, even if warming remained below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Whish-Wilson criticised the government for failing to provide details on how its climate targets would meet Paris Agreement requirements, noting Australia's high per capita emissions.