Not only is Tony Abbott ignoring the science and snubbing the rest of the world, he is completely out of touch with most Australians, who understand climate action means new jobs, she said.

“Cabinet … should prioritise the two thirds of Australians who want climate action, instead of mining company donors,” she said.

“Australians understand that the coal industry is dying and today's jobs and future jobs are in renewables, with more than 70% agreeing tackling climate change creates new opportunities in renewable energy.

“Tony Abbott has made us the only country in the world to lower our renewable energy target and to scrap a price on pollution.”

The Climate Change Authority has said Australia needs a reduction of 40-60% by 2030, and the Greens want 60 to 80% by 2030, both based on 2000 levels.

“It's time for the Abbott government to dramatically change course in line with the community's wishes, the rest of the world's progress and, most importantly, the science.

“The Abbott government is set to cook up dodgy targets, using the 2005 level as a baseline, which was a historic peak, but the community will see through that and demand credible targets and action.”