Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has dismissed attempts by a Wagga activist to take him to task over climate change.
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Activist Trudi Beck, who organises regular "protest picnics" outside the MP's office, had raised the issue of climate change with the Member for Riverina on Friday, during a lunch - with a question and answer session - organised by the Wagga Business Chamber and local CPA Australia branch.
In her question, Dr Beck raised the issues of drought and climate change.
"We talk about building dams and the Snowy 2.0 as solutions, but that doesn't take into account decreased alpine snowfall and the potential that these infrastructures may be superseded by climate change affects prior to their completion," she said.
"This upsets me, but more than that, when I see instances of Mr Morrison over in the Asia Pacific meetings bringing up the issues of climate change with them and then making it that those issues are not treated with the urgency and consideration they deserve as our great economic partners and neighbours, I feel embarrassed to be Australian in those instances."
Mr McCormack said he had "never been embarrassed to be an Australian".
"I'm proud of the fact we've just tipped in another $500 million to our Pacific Island neighbour friends. We've found that money and we are those island neighbouring friends' biggest supporter," he said.
"I also get a little bit annoyed when we have people in those sorts of countries who point the finger at Australia and say we should be shutting down all our resources sector so that they can continue to survive."
Mr McCormack said the government would not shut down the coal industry, which "provides tens of thousands of workers' job, two-thirds of our energy needs and $66 billion in exports".
He also condemned activists for filming staff inside his Wagga office.
"I don't like when my office gets stormed by climate protesters who then begin videoing my staff," Mr McCormack said.
"My staff don't get elected. They don't get elected to be the Member for Riverina. They work mighty hard for people of all political persuasions. And when 19 people cram into my office and start videoing my staff - my hard-working staff - that's when I take exception."