Australia’s opposition leader Peter Dutton was attacked during election debate on Tuesday after his response followed his stance on the climate crisis, where he seemed reluctant to admit that his country was being influenced by it.
In a post-debate interview, Dutton embraced the climate crisis as realistic and defended himself as pointing out the coalition’s net zero by 2050 as evidence of the party’s commitment.
“If people are interested in the topic of climate change and want actual action, then vote for the coalition through energy policy as we are the only party and can provide low-cost electricity, gas and reliable energy,” he told ABC News in an interview after Debate.
Australia is scheduled to vote for the next government on May 3rd, with Dutton being prime challenger to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and leading the liberal national coalition of opposition parties.
His remarks during the second debate between the two have spurred backlash from many climate activists and the prime minister.
During a discussion hosted by ABC News on Tuesday, moderator David Speers asked Dutton about the increased frequency of extreme weather events in Queensland’s hometown.
When asked if he accepted that Australia was already experiencing the effects of climate change, Dutton replied, “We know there are impacts.”
But what scientists emphasized was that when they further pushed on whether these events were exacerbated due to the climate crisis, “have scientists and others pass that judgment,” he said.
Speers continued to push further, “Really, you’re not going to say that this is happening now?”
Dutton replied: “I don’t know, I’m not a scientist and I can’t tell you whether temperatures have risen in Talgominda as a result of climate change or whether water levels are rising in Talgominda’s latest flood as a result of climate change.”
“I think the honest answer for most people is that they don’t know.”
Albanese said he was reluctant to acknowledge a scientific consensus on the climate crisis.
“Does he believe in gravity?” he asked at a press conference in Brisbane.
“What other scientific facts are there that he needs a guarantee or a degree in science for him to understand?”
“Science would have thought it was very clear about climate change.”
The environmental organization also expressed concern over Dutton’s comments. The Climate Council said “it’s outrageous that senior political leaders are in very little contact.”
“Climate experts are delighted to be ready and ready to briefly describe Dutton anytime, anywhere,” said Amanda McKenzie, CEO of Climate Council.
“In 2025, there is no excuse for anyone fighting to become a prime minister who has not thoroughly educated himself on the science and impact of the climate crisis.”
The Australian Conservation Foundation also criticized Dutton’s stance, explaining it as evoking a denial of an outdated climate.
“Dutton’s leadership debate last night was when Australia needs to seriously address the climate crisis, and in last night I’m not a scientist – I was not a scientist,” said ACF CEO Kelly O’Shanassy, according to Mirage News.
Two million homes and businesses are at moderate to high risk due to worsening climate disasters such as flooding, coastal erosion and wildfires. data show.
“Australians are paying $30 billion in insurance costs than we did a decade ago. People living in vulnerable parts of the country find themselves unable to insure their homes because they are affordable or unavailable,” McKenzie said.
The parties have taken a contrasting position, particularly in the wake of recent disasters, as the climate crisis has emerged as an important issue for voters.
Dutton has attempted to position the coalition as a party that provides “reliable and affordable” energy, but the workers’ approach focuses on increasing renewable energy and reducing stronger emissions through protective mechanisms, with the coalition looking to undermine.
Dutton pledged to review the country’s existing reduced emissions targets by 2030 by 43%, suggesting the construction of a nuclear reactor to increase the reliability of electricity.
He also proposed that the Union withdraw Australia’s bid to co-host the next UN climate summit, COP31, in 2026. This is a joint proposal with the Pacific Islands countries.
Tuvalu’s Climate Minister Maina Talia previously said Dutton’s climate diplomacy stance has forced him to “question the nature of our friendship” with Australia.
