Scientists urged to champion clean energy

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has challenged the nation's top scientists to enter the fight for greater renewable energy and action on climate change.

The Turnbull government has repeatedly attacked Labor over its policy to establish a target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

"We need your help debunking the scare campaign about renewable energy and instead championing Australia's shift to cleaner, cheaper power - and the jobs and investment it will bring," Mr Shorten told a Science meets Parliament gala dinner in Canberra on Tuesday.