Image: ABC
By Situation Theatre 15/3/2016
Following the disturbing news that February 2016 broke global temperature records by a ‘shocking’ amount, Malcolm Turnbull has promised “swift, bold and decisive action”.
After the enormous success of ideas like the $500 million plebiscite on whether some people are more equal than others, as well as the $500 million plebiscite on whether the PM should call an early election, Turnbull has now floated a similar approach to the climate emergency.
While the announcement may come as shock to the Turnbull Greens, it’s very much in keeping with the PM’s environmental track record. In just six months he’s slashed funding to the CSIRO, resulting in 350 climate science job losses, endorsed Abbott’s pathetic emissions targets and direct action plan, echoed Abbott on coal, and heavily subsidised the fossil fuel industry. He’s approved one of the world’s largest coal ports close to the Great Barrier Reef, appointed Australia’s first wind farm commissioner, and ruled out a shift to emission trading. He’s also mocked Labor’s “reckless” renewable energy target and ripped $1 billion from the foreign aid budget to pay for a climate fund.
Many voters will be left feeling disappointed with the PM’s inconsistency with past convictions. At least now the electorate can now rely on Malcolm to consistently pander to the worst elements of the Liberal Party: Australia's most toxic anachronism.