QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:20): First, in relation to the UN reports, I have looked at those and, yes, I think all of us should look very closely at what is being told to us, what is being reported. I would also note that the El Nino event, which the globe is currently experiencing, is projected to be the worst in many centuries, so I am not one that you have to convince about the importance of acting on climate and the importance of changing your economy to deal with changing climate and to deal with the imperative of reducing emissions, which is why one of the great tragedies in history was when your party voted with Tony Abbott and Cory Bernardi and Nick Minchin.
You can put your head in your hands but that is the reality, because that actually would have changed the Australian economy, and we all understand the way you betrayed the climate for short-term political gain. You lined up with Tony Abbott. Can you believe it—the Australian Greens lined up with Tony Abbott!
That is your legacy. That is your legacy when it comes to climate. I will also give you another number.
Guess how many renewable energy projects as at 7 September 2026—146 renewable energy projects. Oh dear, Senator Henderson's going to get very upset at that now—146 renewable energy projects. The PRESIDENT: Please resume your seat, Minister Wong.
Senator Waters. Senator Waters: A point of order on relevance. My question asked whether you can confirm that there were 37 coal and gas projects approved by your government.
Senator McKim interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Excuse me, Senator McKim! I remind you that not only are interjections disorderly but that the minister is entitled to respond to them, so I would urge all of you in this chamber to just not say anything once you've asked your question. Minister, please continue.
Senator WONG: I didn't actually hear which project you were talking about, but, if it is the Saraji mine, I would make two points: this is not a new coal mine and it is already covered by the safeguard mechanism with its baseline declining to zero by 2050. I would just make the point— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Waters, first supplementary?