The Australian Greens have today announced a plan to invest half a billion dollars to create a National Disaster Response Unit with the capacity to respond to emergencies like the Tasmanian bushfires or floods in Queensland.

“Climate change is hurting our communities and environment now,” said Senator Richard Di Natale, Australian Greens Leader.

“2018 has just been named the 4th hottest year on record, making the last five years the hottest period since modern measurement began.” 

With climate change driving increased fire risk in Australia, the Commonwealth should investigate a national remote area firefighting capacity, Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim says.

"It's negligent of the Government not to even investigate a national remote area firefighting capacity despite a Senate Committee recommending it," Senator McKim said.

“This failure to respond to fire threats to Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area mirrors the Liberals’ apathy towards the risks facing the Great Barrier reef.”