Salvo from Julie Bishop calls for courage on climate change

Former foreign minister says her party is “divided” on climate change, while warning of the growing threat to the world order.

Former foreign minister Julie Bishop will tell an international audience in Hong Kong her party is “divided” on climate change, while warning of the growing threat to the world order and looming economic headwinds.

Ms Bishop’s public musings over her party’s headaches on environmental policy come as Prime Minister Scott Morrison faces challenges in key seats from high-profile independents campaigning on climate action.

In a speech to be given at the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Ms Bishop will say the Government needs to better explain to voters the limits of its powers while having the “courage” to form long-term policy.

Amid continuing speculation as to whether Ms Bishop will quit politics, the member for Curtin will point out that a series of opinion polls had shown the public wanting action on climate change.

“Our party is divided on the issue of climate change and whether, or how we respond,” Ms Bishop will say. “I don’t see a solution to the current impasse but investors need regulatory certainty given the large and long-term investment needed for building energy generating capacity.”

Ms Bishop argues it would be a mistake to write off the Coalition Government, promising the race would tighten as the election drew closer.

“It is likely to become a much closer contest than many anticipate,” she said. “My strong advice is do not write us off. That would be a mistake. Big mistake.”

She says the Government faces a conundrum — some Australians believed the Government was interfering in their lives too much, while others griped it was not doing enough.

“We must do more to explain the limits of what government can and cannot do and have the courage to articulate longer-term policies and responses. If the public believes government should be achieving more than is possible, there will be a permanent state of disappointment and mistrust,” she says.

Ms Bishop warns of the potential for a “Grey Rhino” event to rock the international world order — a reference to a looming big event that everyone can see but fails to act on. She says such risks include worsening relations between the US and Beijing, Brexit and warnings of another banking crisis.

Originally published as Salvo from Julie Bishop calls for courage on climate change