Trump disputes Israel’s Gaza claims, slashes Putin’s Ukraine deadline; Coalition under fresh net zero scrutiny; Thailand and Cambodia reach ceasefire

Health Minister Mark Butler has responded to a grim warning issued by UN chief climate diplomat Simon Stiell on Monday, who cautioned that without lifting the carbon emission reduction target, Australia would face a climate disaster in which agricultural trade would deteriorate and the consumption of fruit would become a “once-a-year treat”.

Butler said Labor took climate change measures “so seriously”, and said Australia required “stable policy” that can support limit the proliferation of extreme weather events and attract renewable energy investment.

“We need clear policy parameters that give investors confidence to put the money into the new energy we need,” Butler said.

“What we haven’t had for so long is clear policy that gives investors confidence to put their money really into that new energy investment we need. And that’s what our government has delivered over the last three years.”

Butler has made several media appearances this morning ahead of his tabling of new legislation that proposes to cap the price of medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme at $25.