This week represents crunch time on climate change for all political players in Canberra. Over the winter recess, the debate has swung this way and that, not only across the parties, but within them, as Malcolm Turnbull has sought to manage the issue in Liberal ranks.

This is an important issue, as the Parliament balances the importance of maintaining local jobs and industry, with the need to protect the environment, and care for our neighbours (see the Social Issues Executive Report on Climate Change). Pacific islands in particular face challenges to their very existence through inundation caused by rising sea levels. These people are on our doorstep and their concerns cannot be ignored.

The Rudd Government has placed two very separate questions to the Parliament, wrapped up in one package. One side deals with a commendable set of proposals to support and encourage the development of renewable energy, the other contains the more controversial Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The latter looks doomed to defeat, but it would be unfortunate if long overdue reforms to the renewable energy sector suffered the same fate.

In a country with as much sunshine as Australia, it has always puzzled me that governments from all sides have dragged the chain on almost every aspect of encouraging the renewable energy sector. Moreover, for decades we have had some of the world’s best solar scientists at the forefront of developing the newest and most efficient technologies.

Every country region, particularly those in high-sun areas, should be working with industry and government towards the construction of local solar power stations like the proposed 154MW installation slated for north-western Victoria. While coal-fired power stations will continue providing significant base-load capacity, it’s time for governments to seriously support power generation with zero emissions. Now that’s real action on climate change, and wise stewardship of resources and our environment.

In the meantime, it would be a shame if the Federal Government’s renewable energy proposals were defeated in a political move to link it with the ETS. Supporting renewable energy is long overdue, so let’s get on with it, regardless of what happens to emissions trading.