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Parliamentary Questions


Question On Notice No. 2373 asked in the Legislative Council on 7 August 2019 by Hon Robin Chapple

Question Directed to the: Minister for Environment
Parliament: 40 Session: 1


Question

I refer to the United Nations Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Global Assessment Report released on 6 May 2019, and ask:
(a) is the Minister concerned by the contents of this report, specifically the fact that over one million species are at risk;
(b) does the Minister acknowledge that many Australian threatened species reside in Western Australia, with the federal electorates of Durack and O'Connor both being in the top ten electorates in Australia most at risk;
(c) does the Minister acknowledge that fossil fuels are a leading reason for species being at risk; and
(d) why has the Government not committed to a strategy of reducing Western Australia's emissions?

Answered on 3 September 2019

(a) Yes.

(b) I acknowledge that many Australian threatened species reside in Western Australia, the largest State or Territory in Australia. The Federal electorates of Durack and O’Connor, comprise 98.9 per cent of the terrestrial area of Western Australia, and consequently a large proportion of the terrestrial area of Australia. Which of course cover my own electorate, as it is yours too Honourable Member. I am not aware of risk ranking in relation to Federal electorates having been undertaken.

(c) and (d) The McGowan Government acknowledges the need to adapt to climate impacts and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in Western Australia to protect our environment, economy and community. On 28 August 2019, the State Government announced an aspirational target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Government is committed to developing a State Climate Policy which will draw together and build on climate-related initiatives already underway in the State. The Policy and roadmap of actions will also include measures relevant to the development of a pathway to net zero emissions by 2050.