STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator HODGINS-MAY (Victoria) (13:45): I want to recognise the tireless, courageous work of my colleague Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, who's led an inquiry into climate misinformation. The report handed down yesterday confirms climate policy doesn't fail. It is defeated.

This defeat is coordinated, deliberate and deeply damaging. Multibillion dollar campaigns backed by fossil fuel interests want us to stall climate action. It is a denial machine of thinktanks, PR firms, third party campaigners like Advance and sections of the media that has spent decades distorting science, undermining trust and delaying progress.

Thanks to the work of the committee, we know it's evolving. We know that influence is shifting to third party actors and opaque digital campaigns, avoiding scrutiny while shaping outcomes. Deceptive anti-renewable campaigns are dividing communities, eroding trust and slowing the rollout of clean energy when it is needed more than ever.

This is no longer just about communications. It is a national security issue. It undermines our democracy, interferes with decision-making and divides our communities over a crisis that affects lives and futures.

Rachel Carson reminds us: In nature, nothing exists alone. Our environment, our democracy and our information systems are deeply connected. When one is polluted, all parts of the system are at risk.

This work is only just starting. We must hold big tech accountable, get dark money out of the system, strengthen integrity and expose those groups who serve to benefit from misinformation. This is the battle of our lives.

The question is simple. Will Labor stand with communities, or will it stand with the vested interests?