Welcome back to Today, coming to you this morning live from Melbourne for Stakes Day. Forget about the racing, though for a moment, because the odds are on for a fiery showdown in Canberra just next week when the Liberal Party finally meets to decide whether it will follow the Nationals and dump Net Zero. But it could be more than just policy of being dumped by the party. With more speculation this morning, a challenge might be mounted against Sussan Ley’s leadership, potentially before Christmas. Joining us for more Queensland Senator Paul Scarr there in Brisbane and our very own Lizzie Pearl back in the studio. Paul, let’s get straight to you. What’s safer right now Net Zero or Sussan Ley’s leadership.
Senator Scarr
I think what we must focus on is landing our Energy Policy and Emissions Reduction Policy over the next week. I think we’re there, and once we’re there, we need to unite behind the leader and move forward. It’s important that we move forward after this next week.
Clint Stanaway
So, do you support Sussan Ley?
Senator Scarr
Absolutely. Sussan brings a lot of things to this role. She’s the first woman leader of the Liberal Party. She’s had an outstanding life. I mean, it’s quite inspirational. She’s been everything from a Shearer’s cook here in my home state of Queensland, to becoming a Pilot, to becoming a holder of an MBA, a farmer, and I think we need to get behind Sussan and give us some clear air, and I think that’s really [cut off].
Clint Stanaway
What’s someone like Sarah Henderson doing then agitating? The Opposition Leader talks about holding Labor to account, but this consistent and constant internal fighting, is it making the task impossible? Will this week mark a line in the sand for the Opposition.
Senator Scarr
I hope after we land this policy over the next week, we can then unite behind the Leader and move forward, and I think that’s what the Australian people expect.
Clint Stanaway
Hey, Lizzie, a good democracy needs strong Opposition, and right now, the Coalition is failing spectacular at this, you’d have to say. Is Sussan Ley the person who can unite the party do you think, or will we see a challenge before Christmas potentially?
Lizzie Pearl
Whether you support the Liberals, The Nationals, or the Labor Party, I think for all our sakes, we need Sussan Ley to succeed in this role. It’s not a good look. It’s not good for democracy, if she’s dumped just a couple of months after an election. So, her party really needs to be behind her. While we don’t even know what their Net Zero Policy is, it’s very difficult for Sussan Ley to any get any kind of traction as Leader and to lead from the front when she’s just fighting with back benches, and even the front benches on this, so yes, I hope for her sake that there is no challenge to her leadership, but I would not be surprised if we don’t see one in the next couple of months.
Clint Stanaway
Hey Paul, just one more on this issue. On the issue of Net Zero. I mean, is it gone? You alluded to the fact you’re getting closer. How close are you, and what does it look like?
Senator Scarr
Well, from my perspective, I’ll have an opportunity to speak in the party room, like all my colleagues, we need to get the balance right. From my perspective, it’s not Net Zero at any cost, but at the same time, we need to do our fair share in terms of Emissions Reduction. So, I think it’s balance. People are struggling with electricity prices now, but there’s also an expectation that we will do the right thing for the environment, and we will do our fair share in terms of getting emissions reduced. So, I think it’s a question of finding the right balance.
Clint Stanaway
Moving on this morning, and there is a fresh push for a nationwide crackdown now on E Bikes. Senior Police in Queensland are sounding the alarm over their illegal use. I mean, Paul, in just three days, Police in your home state there have issued, I’m told 237 infringements. We’ve seen kids lose their lives. What’s the answer to fixing this do you think?
Senator Scarr
I think all of us must do our fair share in terms of fixing this, so it shouldn’t just be up to the Police. Parents have a really important role in terms of this, because we’ve got kids with these heavy e-scooters. They’re removing the speed limit modifiers, not wearing helmets, and you know, we’ve had some real tragedies. We don’t want to see any more tragedies as we go towards Christmas. It’s just heartbreaking.
Clint Stanaway
Lizzie, it’s a big departure from when we used to scoot around on our BMX bikes. Do you think that these types of bikes, which are extremely fast can be dangerous, should be banned altogether?
Lizzie Pearl
I don’t think we can ban them all together, but I did notice during the week Nine News ran a story about a school in Sydney which is trialing ID Plates for E Bikes. You must earn an ID Plate to stick to your bike to get the privilege to ride it, and guess what? The number of complaints is down, and kids are getting complimented on their safe riding. So, I think the solution here is some kind of licensing or registration for the E bikes, because at the moment, we don’t know who anyone is, and they’re not registered and not insured, so the horse is bolted in terms of whether E-Bikes are staying or going, they’re clearly staying. But we need a way of identifying these kids, and parents have a good, long, hard think. You know your kid best. Do you reckon they can safely have an E Bike, or hold off for a couple of years? Ask yourselves that question.
Clint Stanaway
I agree with you, Lizzie. Finally, this morning. After rocking to audiences here in Melbourne at Marvel Stadium last week, I went along. It was extraordinary stuff. This weekend, it’s Sydney’s turn to take in the Oasis Wonder’s wall of sound, I guess you could say, and their performances aren’t disappointing. Many now say they may just be the world’s greatest rock and roll band. Paul, is that a big statement or an accurate one? I mean, thank goodness they’re back!
Senator Scarr
Oh, absolutely. It’s a great story, isn’t it? I mean, the two brothers, I don’t have a brother, but I would love to have brothers like Noel and Liam. It could have been Noel Liam and Paul. What a wonderful thing that would have been!
Clint Stanaway
I’m sure your voice is just as good, if not better! Lizzie, it makes me wonder – what other bands would you like to see reunite?
Lizzie Pearl
I’m going to say Guns N Roses. I once saw the Gunners. Axel was there, but Slash wasn’t there. You know, if we could get them all back together, that would make my day!
Clint Stanaway
You’d have a Guns N Roses tattoo as well, I’m sure.
Lizzie Pearl
I might already have it.
Senator Scarr
Not just Lizzie!
Clint Stanaway
Hey Paul, thanks so much for being with us.
