[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Mike Rann at COAG: "Think National, Ignore Local"

[Greens]

Media Release
13th April 2007

Mike Rann at COAG: "Think National, Ignore Local"


As Mike Rann looks to position himself as a climate change leader at
today's COAG meeting, his own government is set to vote against tough
greenhouse reduction targets passed by the state's Upper House, says
Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

"My message to the Premier is simple: before you start preaching to the
other states and the Commonwealth on climate change, you need to get
your own house in order," the Greens MLC said.

Two weeks ago, the state's Upper House overwhelmingly passed a
greenhouse pollution reduction target of  20% below 1990 levels by 2020
- only Labor opposed, arguing that it would affect 'economic prosperity
and growth'.  Now, a standoff looms with Labor set to oppose the
amendments in the Lower House.

"While Premier Rann is rightly pushing for major national policy changes
on climate change at today's COAG meeting, he needs to also walk the
talk at a local level and accept meaningful greenhouse reduction targets
in state legislation.

New Liberal leader, Martin Hamilton-Smith has re-affirmed the Liberals
support  for the 2020 greenhouse pollution reduction targets, saying
yesterday morning on ABC Radio:

"We supported deeper cuts in the Bill that's been before Parliament
(...) so we'll stand by our decision"

"Talk is not going to solve climate change, action is," Mr Parnell said.


"The most positive leadership Mike Rann can offer on climate change is
to support tough greenhouse pollution reduction targets in his own
Bill," he said.


For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893
   
 


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