STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator STEELE-JOHN (Western Australia) (13:50): Right now, communities are dealing with the harsh reality of an increasingly extreme climate. On the other side of the world, millions of people are suffering through an unprecedented heatwave. Ecosystems are breaking down before our very eyes.

It is beyond clear that urgent and large-scale climate action in Australia and across the globe is needed. Thanks to the tireless advocacy of local communities and environmental groups, we have a critical opportunity to stop a megapolluting project in its tracks. Labor has been forced to reopen the case against Woodside and their climate-wrecking Browse gas project.

We know that the Browse project poses a catastrophic risk to communities. It will spew 1.6 billion tonnes of polluting carbon emissions into our air, pressure cooking the climate and exacerbating extreme weather conditions. If this project goes ahead, WA's own precious Scott Reef and the 27 protected species that call it home will be decimated.

Climate change is driving mass bleaching events from Ningaloo to the Great Barrier Reef and in so many other precious reef systems. Browse must be stopped. This project will supercharge this devastation.

All that once thrived with life and burst with colour will weaken, wither and wash away—gone forever. Labor didn't want the community to be heard. Woodside definitely didn't want the community to be heard.

Well, too bad, so sad. We have until 21 July to make submissions. The community will be heard, and the government must listen.