Govt rejects moratorium on new coal, gas projects

Australia’s climate change minister yesterday rejected a proposal to temporarily halt new coal and gas projects in the country, one of the world’s top fossil fuel exporters.

The centre-left Labor government committed to more ambitious emissions cuts after it swept to power in May elections, hoping to ditch the country’s reputation as a climate laggard.

But the question of winding down Australia’s powerful fossil fuel mining sector has been a flashpoint between the government and the Greens party, which won record support at the election.

Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen dismissed the idea of a moratorium on new gas and coal projects when asked by a reporter yesterday if he would consider the Greens’ proposal.

“No,” Mr Bowen replied, saying he respected the Greens’ position but Labor had a mandate from voters who gave it a majority to form a government outright.

Greens leader Adam Bandt said this month that for his party, Labor’s support for 114 new coal and gas mines already in the pipeline across Australia was the key issue. “You don’t end the climate wars by opening up new coal and gas mines,” he said.

Australia is one of the world’s top three exporters of coal and gas.