But when pressed by Speers if it was getting worse, he responded: “Well, I’ll let scientists and others pass that judgement.” Speers pushed further, questioning: “Really, you’re not willing to say this is climate change happening right now?”

Thargomindah, a town in south-west Queensland, was severely impacted by floods, despite desperate efforts from locals to reinforce the town’s levee bank. Source: AAP / Bulloo Shire Council, Daniel Roy

Dutton answered: “I don’t know, David, because I’m not a scientist and I can’t tell you whether the temperature has risen in Thargomindah as a result of climate change or that the water levels are up in Thargomindah’s latest flood as a result of climate change.”

The tiny town of Thargomindah in Queensland’s south-west was hit with historic levels of flooding two weeks ago, although Speers did not ask Dutton specifically about this event.

“After a decade of denial and delay, it is time that we continue to have a government that understands the need to be part of global action on climate change.”

“Peter does accept the science of climate change. He said that repeatedly. He said that tonight. And I think it’s very clear.”