[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE: Climate change and peak oil remain "unexpected surprises": Greens

[Willis, Katrina (Sen C. Milne)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday, 9 May 2006

Climate change and peak oil remain "unexpected surprises": Greens

The Howard government has ignored the greatest identifiable risks to the
Australian economy - climate change and oil depletion - in its Budget
tonight, Australian Greens Senator Christine Milne said.

"Treasurer Peter Costello has used the metaphor of storms throughout his
Budget speech to refer to economic circumstances but has failed to
mention real storms and economic risk relating to climate change and
energy security," Senator Milne said in Canberra tonight. "In fact, he
hasn't mentioned them at all." 

"Climate change does not exist for Peter Costello, or the Howard
Government. Neither does energy security.

"The government plans to spend an additional $1.5 billion over the next
five years on securing Australia against terrorism, but nothing to
secure the country against oil depletion and climate change."

The Budget contains no framework for the introduction of carbon taxes or
emissions trading, no energy efficiency or emissions targets, and no
measures to reinvigorate investment in renewable energy. 

"With oil prices predicted to rise to US$100 a barrel it is ridiculous
for the Budget to allocate ten times as much funding for roads as it
allocates to rail, and to subsidise heavy vehicles," Senator Milne said.


"Where is the investment in public transport? Why hasn't the Treasurer
linked the $52 million subsidy to Ford to a requirement for
fuel-efficient design of motor vehicles?

"It is a shocking indictment of Australian political leaders that
climate change and oil depletion are not mentioned in the Budget
'Statement of Risks' for Australia. 

"While the government acknowledges that there is a risk that it might
need to spend more on drought assistance to farmers, it assumes that it
is unlikely. This is unbelievable.

"How many times do climate scientists have to tell us that the frequency
and intensity of storms, floods and droughts is increasing before Prime
Minister John Howard hears the climate message?

"It seems that the liability for damages caused by objects falling from
space is more real to the Howard Government than global warming.

"Treasurer Costello identifies the Future Fund as the way the next
generation will be able to meet the challenges of their time. He doesn't
seem to realise that the Future Fund will be a fraction of what will be
needed to adapt to climate change and to oil-proof the Australian
economy."

More information: Katrina Willis 02 6277 3063 or 0437 587 562


Katrina Willis
Adviser
Office of Senator Christine Milne
Ph: 03 6234 4566
0437 587562
Fax: 03 6234 2144
www.greens.org.au