Bill Shorten has used a speech at the Sydney Institute to push Tony Abbott on the issue of climate change, urging him to take action on the “defining economic and environmental issue of our generation”.
Echoing comments by former prime minister Paul Keating, Mr Shorten said the climate should be on the G20 agenda.
“As G20 President, we have an opportunity to marshal co-operation on climate science,” he said.
“We have an opportunity to forge a global consensus on renewable energy.”
'Will Tony Abbott show the leadership that this moment demands or will he be bested by history?
His comments follow a landmark agreement to curb carbon emissions by the US and China, the first such commitment made by the latter country.
Mr Shorten said the agreement marked a “momentous change of course”, which Australia needed to heed.
“How can it be that just as the world’s biggest players change the game, Tony Abbott is doubling-down on denial, and dealing Australia out,” he said.
“The progress of China and the United States only highlights our failure. Their focus on the future exposes the Government’s short-term approach.”
Environment Minister Greg Hunt welcomed the announcement by the US and China on Wednesday, while Treasurer Joe Hockey stated that climate change was "hugely important" during a press conference on Thursday.
