HON ALISON XAMON (North Metropolitan) [ 6.30 pm ]: I rise because I want to make a few comments that I did not have the opportunity to make in the debate today around climate change. I am quite pleased that I did not get the opportunity to speak during the debate because so many members decided to stand and speak. I think that is very positive. I also want to express my pleasure at the fact that nobody who spoke questioned the very science of climate change, which is refreshing. It augurs quite well for our attempts to deal with this monstrous issue for our times. I think there is plenty of debate to be had on climate change, but it should never be about whether climate change is occurring. I would not pretend to be the person who has all the solutions for how best to mitigate the effects of climate change and, of course, to adapt to its effects. I think very import ant discussions are to be had on that. I also appreciate the fact that members are taking a pro-science position, as am I in my opposition to uranium mining and the use of nuclear power. As we know, there is no safe way to store nuclear waste. In my very strongly held opinion, it is absolutely unacceptable to leave a legacy of 10 000 years of highly toxic waste for future generations.
I stand because I want to make a few additional comments around why we need to deal with climate change. As members will have no doubt gathered by now, I am very concerned about mental health in the community. Mental health is a part of the challenge of climate change that is increasingly getting attention, particularly in research, and it is one that I would like to bring to the attention of members today. There is increasing evidence that the increased risks of climate change bring with them increased rates and risks of mental health issues within our community. These can occur because of a number of issues. We know, for example, that there is a direct correlation between temperature rise and aggressive behaviour. Temperature increases can also be manifested by increased rates of suicides, especially violent suicides. This area is starting to get quite a bit more attention and it is recognised as a particular risk factor as the climate continues to heat up. Heatwaves are also associated with mental and behavioural disorders. A number of studies, including one from Australia, suggest that heatwaves are associated with increased rates of admissions for mental disorders, as well as physical health issues. There are very big concerns that we will see an increased risk of mood disorders and anxiety disorders and that this will continue to put additional strain on our mental health bud get and the health system.
The psychological impacts of climate change disasters are another element of concern around mental health. We know already that cases of flooding, hurricanes and very severe bushfires are increasing. We do not like to talk about climate change directly following a disaster because people object to us talking about it immediately following a tragedy, and I completely understand that. Nevertheless, there is a direct correlation between what is happening and the increased risks. In communities that have been through such disasters, increased levels of post-traumatic stress disorder will follow. Individuals who have been through the experience of climate-related natural disasters will be at higher risk of developing PTSD and will also have a greater risk of developing acute stress reactions and adjustment disorders.
We heard today some comment around the issue of drought and farmer suicide. It is something I have already spoken about in this place. This is a genuine risk factor that is likely to be exacerbated in years to come, particularly as viable farmland becomes less viable. The sorts of economic stresses that come for a lot of farming communities increase levels of mental health risk. I acknowledge that farmers are an enormously resilient bunch but sometimes the stresses can be too much. We know that this is an issue. Climate change also affects people economically because of the decrease in productive land at the same time as economic constraints mean that sometimes people are less likely to seek health care because of costs. It all becomes an increasing risk.
Climate change related issues can also mean that people need to move, whether it is because they are in areas of flooding or because they are no longer able to live on productive land. That creates stress around migration and enculturation. People are ripped away from communities, histories, space and areas that are important to them. There is a direct correlation between those experiences — the loss of connectedness — and ongoing mental health issues, particularly depression.
It is well documented that there is an increased risk of a number of health issues, and increased health issues mean increased risk of mental health issues. I suppose I also need to acknowledge, particularly for our young people — our millennials — that research is increasing about the level of despair people are feeling about the impact of climate change. It also lends itself to a loss of hope for the future. This increases levels of a whole range of depressive and anxiety disorders.
This is pretty depressing stuff, but I feel it is really important that when we talk about the big picture issues of the day, we recognise that mental health is always affected by the social determinants around us. The reality is that climate change and the changes that come with climate change, including the risks, do and can have an enormous effect on the wellbeing of communities and the wellbeing of individuals within those communities.
I wanted to get up and make these comments. I think it adds to the urgency with which we choose to address climate change because we need to have healthy communities and, unfortunately, climate change is not conducive to achieving that.