[Greens-Media] Costa refuses to debate Greens on impact of Anvil Hill coal mine

[Alison Orme]

Media Release - 28 June 2007

Costa refuses to debate Greens on impact of Anvil Hill coal mine

NSW Treasurer and Minister for the Hunter Michael Costa, in a letter to
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon, has refused to debate her on the cost to the NSW
economy of approving the Anvil Hill coal mine.

Ms Rhiannon wrote to Mr Costa on 8 June 2007, the day after the Anvil
Hill mine was approved. She sought a public debate about the future of
the coal industry in NSW and the economic benefits and costs of
expanding the coal industry. Five dates were proposed and any other
times convenient for him.

Mr Costa replied by letter dated 20 June 2007, "Re: Anvil Hill. I refer
you to my comments in the House on this matter. I'm not in the habit of
participating in stunts by the Greens party."

"If Michael Costa cannot distinguish between a stunt and a debate it's
not surprising that he is grappling to understand the implications of
runaway climate change for the NSW economy.

"Treasurer Costa's refusal to take part in a debate suggests he is
unwilling to take seriously the significant community concerns about the
decision to approve the Anvil Hill coal mine. 

"Climate change demands innovative policy and directions and it is
disappointing that Mr Costa has slammed the door on a debate with the
Greens.

"Unfortunately Mr Costa's behaviour in NSW Parliament works against
rational and reasonable discussion and this one reason why I have sought
a special public debate.

"Only last week Mr Costa was expelled from Parliament for 'gross
disorder'.

"The Treasurer, a self-confessed climate change sceptic, regularly
dismisses my questions about the NSW coal industry and its consequences
for climate change, industry and employment. 

"Mr Costa's bully boy tactics in Parliament are characteristic of a
broader unrefined approach to policy which places economic growth above
local communities and the environment. 

"The long term future of the NSW economy will not be met by standing by
the coal industry.

“This month Mr Costa admitted in parliament that NSW Treasury had
undertaken no economic modelling on climate change nor did it intend to.
 

"This is despite the fact that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change recommended that modelling for climate change can result in
economic gains," Ms Rhiannon said. 

Contact: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568  
Letters between Lee Rhiannon and Michael Costa available on request. 


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
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