I am joining tens of thousands of Australians in switching off for Earth Hour 2021 and raising our voices for nature. I proudly stand as part of a community that supports stronger action on climate change.

This summer, everyone in Australia was affected by the bushfire emergency that ravaged our country. Entire towns and cities choked on toxic smoke.

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 net-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,

To:

• Prime Minister, Hon. Scott Morrison 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
• Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Hon. Mark Butler MP
• Leader of the Greens, Hon. Adam Bandt MP
• ACT Chief Minister and Treasurer, Hon. Andrew Barr
• ACT Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Hon. Shane Rattenbury
• NSW Premier, Hon. Gladys Berekjiklian MP
• NSW Minister for Energy and Environment, Hon. Matt Kean, MP
• NT Chief Minister, Hon. Michael Gunner MLA
• NT Minister for Renewables, Energy, and Essential Services, Hon. Dale Wakefield MLA
• SA Premier, Hon. Steven Marshall MP
• SA Minister for Environment and Water, Hon. David Speirs MP
• TAS Premier, Hon. Peter Gutwein MP
• TAS Minister for Energy, Hon. Guy Barnett MP
• TAS Minister for Environment and Parks, Hon. Roger Jaensch MP
• VIC Premier, Hon. Daniel Andrews
• VIC Minister for Energy, Environment, and Climate Change, Hon. Lily D'Ambrosio
• QLD Premier, Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP
• QLD Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Hon. Jackie Trad MP
• QLD Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Hon. Leeanne Enoch MP
• WA Premier, Hon. Mark McGowan
• WA Minister for Environment, Disability Services and Electoral Affairs, Hon. Stephen Dawson