21 June 2021. It's not enough to don Akubras and RM Williams boots, politicians must represent the interests of rural and regional Australians, according to Farmers for Climate Action.
That starts with helping the bush reap the benefits of a transition to a low carbon economy, the group says in response to Barnaby Joyce being re-appointed leader of the Federal Nationals.
Mr Joyce has replaced Michael McCormack as deputy prime minister-designate after a leadership spill was moved by Senator Matt Canavan this morning at a Nationals meeting.
Farmers for Climate Action CEO Fiona Davis said: "Farmers are tired of politicians arguing about climate change when instead we could be reaping the benefits of a low carbon economy.
"The cost of inaction on climate for farmers is huge, including the EU currently drafting legislation that will penalise Australia's farmers over climate inaction. On the flipside, regional communities stand to benefit greatly from climate action.
"We call on the new leader of the Nationals, a party that claims to represent regional Australia and farmers, to put aside party differences and urgently back a transition to a low carbon economy."
Kaniva farmer, and Farmers for Climate Action supporter, Steve Hobbs said: "Australia has everything it needs to act swiftly and decisively to help avert climate catastrophe, and for rural and regional communities to prosper in a global clean economy.
"Over the next 30 years we are going to spend an estimated $1 trillion on our electricity system, which opens up massive economic opportunities for our regional areas. With support, farmers and their communities can also benefit from biodiversity stewardship, sequestering carbon in trees and soil, hosting renewables, and more.
"The time for political in-fighting and delays is over. Together we must rise to the challenges of a changing climate and identify solutions to safeguard and strengthen our agricultural sector."
