[Greens-Media] Political fix for water coming apart at the seams

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Political fix for water coming apart at the seams

"With senior Treasury figures speaking out, a critical new ANU report
released, Victoria refusing to sign on, and both farmers groups and
environmentalists asking hard questions, it looks like the PM's
big-spending plan to take water out of the election equation is coming
apart at the seams," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"It is clear that John Howard has miscalculated. By arrogantly assuming
that he could solve this complex and long-standing problem over a couple
of weeks in summer with a few close mates, he has shown that he is out
of touch and simply doesn't understand natural resource management,"
said Senator Siewert.

"Dr Ken Henry's comments confirm evidence from estimates hearings, where
it was obvious that there were no real costings or targets," she said.

"If we don't consult Treasury of climate change and water, two of the
issues likely to have the greatest impact on Australia's economy and on
government spending in coming decades, then what do we consult them
about?" asked Senator Siewert.

"It was obvious at Senate Estimates that no-one with any economic nous
was involved in calculating the costings for the PM's plan. No-one was
able to give a breakdown of the costs because there simply wasn't one,"
she said.

"Yesterday Malcolm Turnbull was disparaging Treasury and claiming that
they'd consulted with 'the people who had dirt under their fingernails'
- yet farmer's groups were nonplussed by the original announcement and
immediately raised serious questions about the projected water savings,"
said Senator Siewert.

If the government is serious it has the opportunity to use this massive
$10B commitment to de-politicise water and get independent advice," she
concluded.

	           
For more information or comment call 
Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025

Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au
http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au

RESCUE THE SENATE

Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens spokesperson on Water Resources

Thursday 5th April 2007




Chris Twomey
Personal Advisor
Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia
WA office: 08 9228 3277 Canberra: 02 6277 3587
mobile: 0407 725 025
www.rachelsiewert.org.au

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