‘It’s embarrassing’: Anthony Albanese says government is holding Australia back on climate change

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has blasted Australia’s lack of action on a key issue, saying the government’s inaction is “embarrassing”.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has blasted Australia’s inaction on climate change as “embarrassing”.

Speaking in Brisbane, Mr Albanese reinforced the Opposition’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and accused the Morrison Government of making the nation pariahs on the international stage.

Scott Morrison this week said his goal was to reach net zero emissions “preferably by 2050”, prompting Labor to seize on his lack of commitment.

“When it comes to these issues that they shouldn’t be allowed to hold the entire country back,” Mr Albanese said.

“We are in the naughty corner by ourselves when it comes to action on climate change. It’s embarrassing.”

Mr Albanese kicked off a six-day tour of Queensland on Saturday with a visit to a farmer’s market.

His trip follows Scott Morrison’s January tour of the sunshine state in which he spruiked its resources industry.

But Mr Albanese has defended his itinerary, which does not include going to a coal mine.

“I talk to coal mine workers all the time,” he said. “I’ll be attending the Mining Union conference next month.”

Anthony Albanese says Australia is in the naughty corner when it comes to action on climate change.

The Labor leader will on Wednesday return to the Brisbane to make a hallmark speech about his plans for the industrial relations reforms, laying the foundations for an election battle over jobs.

The move comes in response to the federal government’s proposed industrial relations omnibus bill which the Opposition says will result in pay cuts for workers.

“This is a government that has legislation to get rid of the better off overall test before the parliament,” Mr Albanese said.

“If you get rid of the better off overall test it’s because you don’t want to be better off.”

But the claims have been vehemently denied by Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter who said the changes were designed to increase flexibility for workers and employers during the pandemic.

Under the proposed legislation the better off overall test – which ensures an enterprise agreement does not leave workers worse off than under an award – would be suspended.

Part-time workers could get more shifts but without overtime rates and casuals would be given a path to permanent employment.