What Do You Think of When You Hear the Words Net Zero?
In a conversation that I was having in Parliament during this past week, it was put to me that the two words “net zero” can mean many different things to different people. While I basically agreed with what was being put to me, I hadn’t really thought through the wider differences that these two words might have across our entire state and nation.
So I put the question to you; what do you think of when you hear the words “net zero”? And if you don’t mind, I would really like you to let me know.
I think that most obviously those two word can be a flag in the sand (for some) about climate change and whether or not a person believes that the climate is changing and that humans are playing a role in the change.
I also believe that for people in the regions it might immediately make them think about the changes to their landscape, with solar and wind farms turning up in the local area as well as transmission lines.
For others, the words “net zero” might immediately make them think about power supply, job security and the cost of electricity. Where this is true, it will also play an important role in thinking about the politics of our state (and country) and which political party is offering what options.
There is also no doubt that for many, any conversation about “net zero” is a sudden leap into an uncertain future where the ground beneath your very feet seems to be made of jelly.
It has been my experience, from inside of politics, that the concept of net zero is a very complex thing to consider. That is why, in this column, I deliberately pose the question to you in a very open manner – and why I seek your guidance as to what it makes you think of when you hear the term.
I would really value your sharing of your thoughts with me via email, online enquiry through my webpage, a written letter, a phone call or perhaps even drop into the office.
Nazi Protest at NSW Parliament House
I am very reluctant to give any oxygen to this small group of small men with small minds – but hearts full of hatred for millions of people that they have never met. I did however want to make my thoughts clear.
During the course of last weekend the media coverage showed a small group of protesters outside of Parliament House on Macquarie Street in Sydney, on a day when almost nobody is actually at the building. They were trying to look menacing, but they just looked like foolish twits who all shop at the same store and who turned up on the wrong day, if they were trying to make a statement.
It has always been my view that if you have an opinion or a belief, then you should proudly own it and not disguise the fact. So for this group of protesters at Parliament House last weekend, dressed like clones, jackets zipped right up to the chin, many in hats, almost all in sunglasses, I wondered to myself “why hide your face and your identity – where is the courage in that?”.
The hatred of a group just like this one, 90 years ago, was the cause of the Second World War. Millions of innocent people died, because of their hatred, in terrible ways.
Australians fought in that War; thousands losing their lives and tens of thousands coming home physically damaged and mentally devastated – which then directly impacted on their families, friends and our society.
We hold up our brave defence force service men and women as heroes of our nation. They show(ed) incredible courage time and again. We recognise their incredible feats at special Services throughout our year, like ANZAC Day, and millions of us turn up to give our thanks.
It is unthinkable then that a small group of people that live in our wonderful country could want to revive that hatred and in doing so, show so much disrespect for those that have fought for this country and those that were left at home and paid such a huge price.
It is simply not possible to respect both our heroic service personnel and our history, while at the same time dressing up in all black and pretending to be Nazi in front of Parliament House. You can either be a friend to our society, or an enemy, but you cannot be both.