"I think that we can be bolder in Australia, including in WA," he told the West Australian newspaper.

"I think all of us do need to lift [our] game."

The Premier said US president Barack Obama’s speech on the issue was a call to arms.

"The most effective thing that Australia can do is to ensure that more of our new power generation is at least gas-fired and not coal," Barnett said according to AAP.

WA is known for having significant gas reserves plus its 15% domestic gas reservation policy, but little in the way of developed domestic or export coal resources.

Last month the state Liberal leader confirmed his intention to seek a third term as Premier at WA’s 2017 election.