Morrison looks for drought solutions
SCOTT Morrison will not say if human-induced climate change is associated with the drought because it does not help solve practical problems.
The Prime Minister went to a drought-stricken Quilpie farm in Queensland in his first visit in the new role, but refused to say if he thought climate change was affecting the drought.
“Climate is changing, everybody knows that,” Mr Morrison said yesterday.
“It’s not a debate I’ve participated a lot in, because I’m practically interested in the policies that will address what is going on here right and now.
“I’m interested in getting people’s electricity prices down and I’m not terribly interested in engaging in those sorts of debates.”
He said his passion for dealing with the drought came from a conversation with Nationals leader Michael McCormack.
“That had a big impact and, as you know, we went through a whole range of packages that went through the budget,” he said.
Mr Morrison said dealing with the drought was not something that could be solved with one bit of relief.
“It goes on as long as the drought goes on. We need the ideas to keep coming as long as the drought goes on and beyond,” he said.
Labor attacked Mr Morrison for making Barnaby Joyce a special drought envoy, calling the decision a slap in the face for farmers.
Opposition agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon said: “The appointment of climate change denier Barnaby Joyce is a joke and a slap in the face for all in the sector who want meaningful drought policy reform.”
But Mr Morrison said the role made good use of the former deputy prime minister’s skills.
Mr McCormack said the Government would contribute more money on top of the already announced $1.8 billion worth of measures to tackle the drought.