[Greens-Media] Developer donations threaten BASIX

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 30 May 2006

Developer donations threaten BASIX 

Greens MP and donations spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said today the Premier’s environment statement is undermined by his failure to commit to increased energy efficiency targets for high-rise apartments.
 
“The Premier’s failure to use his environment statement as an opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to an upgraded Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) assessment scheme is cause for concern,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“Premier Iemma’s environmental credibility will be compromised until he fully commits to this world-leading scheme. 

“The Premier today committed $80 million to improve the urban environment but this positive news is overshadowed by Iemma’s wobbly position on BASIX.

“The Greens suspect that the property industry’s donations of more than $6.6 million to NSW Labor over the past five years may be opening Ministerial doors.

“Premier Iemma says the new BASIX targets are under ‘review’. If so, where are the terms of reference, who is the independent reviewer, where is the consultation and when can we expect a final report?

“The BASIX ‘review’ appears to be a smokescreen for meetings that may be secretly occurring in Ministerial offices. 

“Meriton, Multiplex and Australand are among the major property developers in NSW who give big donations to NSW Labor.

“Donations give companies access to key Ministers and influence over government policy decisions. 

“The Greens call on Premier Iemma to ban developer donations and commit to BASIX as an affordable, practical and efficient tool for a sustainable future,” Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information:  9230 3551 or 0427 861 568



Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Tues, Wed)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au