To:

• Prime Minister, Hon. Scott Morrison MP
• Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Michael McCormack MP
• Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management, Hon. David Littleproud MP
• Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Hon. Angus Taylor MP
• Minister for the Environment, Hon. Sussan Ley MP
• Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Anthony Albanese MP
• Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Richard Marles MP
• Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Hon. Mark Butler MP
• Shadow Minister for Environment and Water, Hon. Terri Butler MP
• Leader of the Greens, Hon. MP

I am joining tens of thousands of Australians in switching off for Earth Hour 2020 and raising our voices for nature. I proudly stand as part of a community that supports stronger action on climate change.

Everyone in Australia has been affected by the bushfire emergency happening across our country. Entire towns and cities have been choking on toxic smoke. Over 1.2 billion animals, including vulnerable native species, have perished, and those of us who have lost loved ones to these fires have suffered unspeakable losses. We know that the catastrophic bushfire season has been worsened by climate change, and we are all suffering from its devastating effects. This is not normal, and with the climate crisis, it will get worse.

At the same time, Australia’s abundant sources of sunshine and wind lie untapped. We have the potential to become a renewable energy powerhouse by exporting our energy, technology and expertise to the world.

Acting on climate is not a choice between the economy or our environment. Research by Melbourne University has found that the cost of inaction on climate change is much greater than the cost of action. Indeed, Australia has the opportunity to prosper under a zero emissions future due to our abundant land and renewable resources.

Our scientists and businesses tell us we already have the solutions to climate change, and our firefighters tell us we need them today. What we need is you and your will to make them happen.

This year, the 26th UNFCCC Conference of Parties on Climate will take place in Glasgow in November. At this pivotal conference, countries all around the world will step up to make stronger and more meaningful policies. World leaders will make decisions that will impact our world for years to come.

I am writing to urge you to use your influence to do more to meet the challenges of climate change. We need Australia’s federal and state governments to take urgent action by:

- In the next year, start implementing legislated plans to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon economy if we are to have the best chance at protecting our beautiful natural heritage.

- By the end of 2020, develop a costed industry plan for renewable exports to capitalise on Australia’s abundant renewable resources and position Australia as a renewable export powerhouse.

It is time to face the climate challenge head on, and realise Australia’s potential to export sunshine to the world, for our children’s future.

That time is now. Don’t let me down.

Yours sincerely,