“It is no secret that I have been disappointed with the attitudes of the previous Australian Government towards the Pacific on a number of fronts,including climate change,” he wrote. “My hope is that we will see stronger and more urgent climate action from the incoming Government,including a more ambitious emissions’ reduction target,ramped-up support for climate-vulnerable communities in the Pacific and most importantly,a commitment to no new coal and gas projects in Australia.”

Labor’s climate policy does not include shutting down the export coal industry,and its 2030 emissions target is set at 43 per cent,substantially more than the Coalition had committed to,but less than what most scientists say is necessary to avoid the worst impacts of warming.

Dr Wesley Morgan,a researcher with the Climate Council Researcher and specialist in climate diplomacy at the Griffith Asia Institute said the Quad meeting would be an opportunity for Albanese to demonstrate the government was serious on climate.

“This is a pivotal moment. Climate action is a key area for cooperation among Quad states who make up some of our most important trading partners and allies. The US in particular,our key security ally,has pressed Australia to do more on climate as part of Quad collaboration.

“The US has integrated climate policy into its Indo-Pacific Strategy - Washington wants to see countries in the region setting stronger emissions targets,and wants to serve as the preferred partner as the region transitions to a net-zero future,” he said.