Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Climate Change

Senate · Monday 24 November 2025

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

At a glance

Senator Whish-Wilson moved that the Senate take note of answers provided by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Science. The senator criticised the Liberal National Party for opposing climate action and warned of coordinated disinformation campaigns. Whish-Wilson also challenged the government on its decision to reduce staff at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, particularly in environmental research. The senator argued that public-good science requires adequate taxpayer funding and expressed concern over the impact on Tasmania. The motion was agreed to without further debate.

Outcome

The question was agreed to.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Peter Whish-Wilson (TAS) (Australian Greens) Greens

Whish-Wilson argued that the opposition was repeating past tactics by attacking climate action and ignoring the costs of inaction. The senator warned that misinformation from fossil fuel interests and media outlets would intensify in coming years. Whish-Wilson criticised the government for failing to disclose key details regarding international climate agreements. The senator highlighted significant job reductions at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, noting that environmental research units were disproportionately affected. Whish-Wilson contended that public-good science must be funded by taxpayers and questioned why funding shortfalls occurred while executives received bonuses.