[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE - SENATOR CHRISTINE MILNE - Govt must develop plan to reduce Australia's oil dependence

[Willis, Katrina (Sen C. Milne)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday, 7 September 2006

Govt must develop plan to reduce Australia's oil dependence

The interim report of the Senate's inquiry into Australia's future oil
supply and alternative fuels highlights the need for government to
develop a strategy to reduce oil dependence to avoid social and economic
shocks, Australian Greens Senator Christine Milne said today.

The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee today
tabled its interim report on a reference initiated by Senator Milne last
November.

"The Howard government has largely ignored the shift from
self-sufficiency to oil dependence, saying the market will solve the
problem," Senator Milne said in Canberra.

"The committee rejects the government's hands-off approach, stating that
regardless of when the production of conventional oil is likely to peak
Australia should be planning for it.

"Unless we do, significant sectors of the Australian economy will face
substantial cost increases. This includes air transport, tourism and
agriculture, where fuel is the fastest growing cost input and farmers
have little capacity to pass on higher costs.

"The committee's report notes that solving the transport fuel challenge
without considering the greenhouse gas implications would be flawed.

"The transport sector is the fastest growing contributor to Australia's
rising greenhouse gas emissions. The government's focus on turning coal
into fuel liquids is flawed because it would pump more greenhouse gas
emissions into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.

"There are also significant social ramifications of rising oil prices.
Australian research provided to the committee shows that people living
on the outskirts of cities are already under financial pressure because
of rising fuel costs and poor public transport options.

"The federal government must begin preparing Australia to reduce its
dependence on oil, starting with substantial investment in public
transport and redesigning our cities."

The committee's interim report can be found at
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/rrat_ctte/oil_supply/int_report/i
ndex.htm

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