[Greens-Media] Majority of NSW residents oppose holding APEC in Sydney CBD

Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle) Jon.Edwards at aph.gov.au
Mon Sep 3 10:52:52 EST 2007


Majority of NSW residents oppose holding APEC in Sydney CBD


3.09.07

NSW Greens Senator Kerry Nettle commissioned a Galaxy poll that has
found that 54% of NSW residents believe that APEC should have been held
outside the Sydney CBD and 74% of people think the over $300million of
taxpayers money spent on APEC was not money well spent. 

"In forcing Sydney to host the APEC meeting, John Howard has arranged
the most expensive and elaborate election campaign launch in Australian
political history," Senator Nettle said. 

"When the USA hosted APEC in 1993 it was at the quiet Blake island
retreat in the bay near Seattle, far less lavish and no disruption to
the public.

"It is telling that the government has utterly failed to explain why
APEC is so important. It is hard even for insiders to point concrete
benefits that have come from APEC. No wonder the public are scratching
their heads.

"If world leaders were planning to seriously tackle the issue of climate
change by setting greenhouse gas reduction targets then I think
Sydneysiders would be much more willing to host APEC.

"APEC has been meeting for 18 years and whilst the PM points to
increased wealth as an outcome, their has been a total failure to share
that wealth equitably, prevent global warming, or restrain the United
States from massive military adventures around the globe." 

For more information: Kristian 0411 638320





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