UPDATE: Read the details of the carbon price and clean energy package here.

Pollution from burning coal, oil and gas is driving a climate crisis, making our world more dangerous, increasing prices of food and water and jeopardising our way of life.

But if we cut pollution and invest properly in the clean alternatives, we can build a healthier, cleaner, more secure economy and community for all of us.

Why do we need a carbon tax?

RURAL AFFAIRS AND TRANSPORT LEGISLATION COMMITTEE  Estimates MONDAY, 23 MAY 2011  Full Transcript

Senator SIEWERT:  In your 2007-08 department annual report there was a project by Access Economics which was around developing—this is a BRS project, actually—an Excel model to estimate the potential environmental and economic impacts of various greenhouse gas mitigation strategies for Australian farmers. Has that report ever been tabled or released? 

Senator Rachel Siewert has today highlighted the Australian Greens intention to continue to look at options for assisting the community sector with the move to a carbon price.

“The Greens are mindful of the fact that the social services sector will be impacted by carbon pricing and we are considering how this might be addressed in the most effective manner,” Senator Siewert, Australian Greens Community Services spokesperson said today.

Senator Siewert asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 17 November 2010: With reference to the coal seam gas mine planned for Curtis Island, within the Murray-Darling Basin catchment area:

(1) Have any studies been conducted into the cumulative effects of the coal seam gas industry on the area.

(2) What measures are in place to assess and manage the cumulative effects of the multiple coal seam gas mines.

Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee - Monday 21 February 2011

Senator SIEWERT—I understand you have started a project called drivers and barriers to the management of native vegetation on private land.

Mr Glyde—Correct.

Senator SIEWERT—I cannot find it very easily. Where would I find the details about that particular project?

Mr Morris—The project is still underway. It was one, I believe, contracted to us from the sustainable resource management area of the department. But if you would like a copy of the terms of reference—

Senator Bob Brown and Senator Rachel Siewert urge state and federal leaders to boost mental health services and work towards a national, universal public dental care scheme.

Senator Brown also vows to take on Rio Tinto, whose profit bonanza will benefit its more than 70-percent foreign shareholders, and other heavyweights as companies prepare to fight efforts to develop an alternative to coal and the Greens’ push to put an effective price on carbon.

Aviation: Jandakot Airport (Question No. 2753)

Senator Siewert asked the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, upon notice, on 12 March 2010: Given that the lessee of Jandakot Airport, Ascot Capital Limited, recently released for public comment its revised master plan for the development of Jandakot Airport which includes a proposal to extend two existing runways and construct a new fourth runway, as well as a significant non-aviation mixed busi ness commercial precinct:

Oil and Gas Exploration (Question No. 2591)

Senator Siewert asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, upon notice, on 2 February 2010: Given that the company responsible for the Montara oil leak disaster, PTTEP Australasia Limited (PTTEP AA), has bought a participation interest in the Woodside Browse Basin oil and gas exploration program: