The government insists it's brought a new approach to climate change but the Greens say Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is still beholden to the "dinosaurs" in the coalition.
"Of course, there are differences," Environment Minister Greg Hunt told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday.
"We have a very solid policy base but Malcolm Turnbull has a very clear, strong, passionate view about climate change, reducing emissions, innovation and the opportunities that are there."
Mr Hunt says the new office of climate change and renewable innovation is just one example of the federal government's approach.
But Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale says the new prime minister has simply adopted Tony Abbott's policies.
That includes the "embarrassing" emission reduction targets to be presented at the upcoming global climate summit in Paris.
"I think he's far too beholden to the dinosaurs in his party rather than being faithful to his own views," Senator Di Natale told Sky News.
He said Mr Turnbull will ultimately be judged on his actions and whether he listens to the majority of his electorate who, according to a recent ReachTel survey, are against new or expanded coal mines.
"He has to show that he's committed to action on global warming, that he understands the economics of the coal sector and that he commits Australia towards a renewable path," he said.
Climate change will be on the agenda when Minister for International Development and the Pacific Steven Ciobo heads to New Caledonia, Fiji and Niue on Monday.
The five-day trip will also include talks on economic growth, trade, women's empowerment and aid.
"Supporting economic growth, regional integration and resilience against climate change in Pacific Island communities are the key priorities for Australia's aid investments," he said in a statement.
Federal Labor leader Bill Shorten is also heading to the region this week, accompanied by his deputy Tanya Plibersek and opposition immigration spokesman Richard Marles.
The trio will visit Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands and Kiribati.
"It will be an important visit because it will underline and allow Labor to underline to Australians the consequences of not having effective action on climate change," Mr Shorten told reporters in Melbourne on Sunday.
Share
