Opened the debate
Waters argued that the proposed drilling near Scott Reef threatened endangered species and marine ecosystems. Waters stated that the project would release 1.6 billion tonnes of carbon pollution, equivalent to four years of Australia's total emissions. Waters contended that current environmental laws failed to require consideration of these climate impacts, breaching international obligations. Waters called for a climate trigger in environmental legislation and urged the minister to assess direct impacts on the Great Barrier Reef. Waters also argued that the project would generate massive profits for Woodside while denying Australia revenue from a 25 per cent gas export tax.