[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE - SENATOR CHRISTINE MILNE - Govt in denial over Peak Oil

[Willis, Katrina (Sen C. Milne)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday, 8 August 2006

Govt in denial over Peak Oil 

The Howard government today revealed it does not take Peak Oil seriously
and has no plan to address the looming oil depletion crisis and rising
petrol prices trend, Australian Greens energy spokesperson Senator
Christine Milne said.

"Finance Minister Nick Minchin today denied that the world faces an oil
crisis caused by demand outstripping supply, arguing that the extent to
which there is exploration for, and discovery of, oil is a function of
price," Senator Milne said in Canberra.

"It is a complete failure of leadership by the Howard government not to
recognise the enormous risk to the Australian economy posed by the end
of cheap, plentiful, easily accessible oil.

"The government seems to think that Peak Oil, like climate change, is
something that will affect Australia 50 years from now.

"The Greens have called for immediate action to reduce Australia's
dependence on oil. 

"Adapting to permanent oil shortages will require many years and there
are measures that the government should have already introduced,
including significant investment in public transport, alternative fuels
and the introduction of mandatory fuel efficiency standards. 

"Ongoing failure to act simply reveals the coalition's unwillingness or
inability to govern responsibly."

Senator Minchin's comments were in response to a Question Without Notice
from Senator Milne.

Contact: Katrina Willis 03 6234 4566 or 0437 587 562


Katrina Willis
Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
Phone 03 6234 4566
Fax 03 6234 2144
Mobile 0437 587 562
www.christinemilne.org.au