[Greens-Media] Senator Christine Milne - Howard's hubris an international embarrassment

[O'Connor, Cassy (Sen C. Milne)]

Tuesday, 3 April 2007	

HOWARD'S HUBRIS AN INTERNATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT

The Howard Government's refusal to face up to climate change, and the
contempt it demonstrates for the rest of the world has resulted in open
condemnation from the European Union, Australian Greens climate change
spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne said today.

"The comments made overnight by E.U. Environment Commissioner Stavros
Dimas about Australia's recalcitrance on climate change, are quite
extraordinary given that diplomatic language is usually far more
restrained.

"It is clear the European Union has reached the end of its tether with
both Australia and the U.S. free-loading on climate change.

"Stavros Dimas' comments follow those of French President Jacques Chirac
who in February this year said that the E.U. may consider carbon import
tariffs on goods from countries that haven't ratified Kyoto.

"The Howard Government has continually told Australians that we are
world leaders in addressing climate change.  This deception has at last
been exposed internationally.

"We cannot allow the Howard Government to continue to undermine
international law and have Australia held up to ridicule from the rest
of the world.

"The PM's excuse that ratifying Kyoto will damage our economy is
completely wrong given that with minimal additional effort in the next
four years, Australia could meet its target.

"The E.U. Environment Commissioner is right to identify the Prime
Minister's pride, and the hubris of the federal government as the only
impediment to Australia rejoining the international community on climate
change," Senator Milne said.

Media contact:   Cassy O'Connor 03 6224 8899  or  0437 587 562