[Greens-Media] Media Release: Greens launch public transport Senate inquiry

[Simms, Robert (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Thursday, 4th December 2008 

Greens launch public transport Senate inquiry


World-class public transport must become a key component of nation
building in the age of climate change and peak oil, and today the
Australian Greens successfully initiated a Senate Inquiry to begin the
process.

"This is has never been undertaken in Australia before," said Greens
public transport spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam.

"Building a Green Australia, responding to climate change, and
shock-proofing our community against the impacts of peak oil all rely on
properly investing in the nation's public transport infrastructure.

"Today the Senate is debating the Nation-building funds bills, which
could be crucial in putting a funding base under the provision of public
transport infrastructure in Australia."

Senator Ludlam said that public transport was treated as the poor cousin
of infrastructure spending, but its importance would grow over coming
years.

"For that reason I've initiated an audit of all public transport in
Australia and an assessment of the benefits of its use. Australia needs
to clearly understand what public transport exists, what condition it is
in, where the gaps are, and what can be done to increase its usage in
the community."

The result will be a comprehensive snapshot of public transport in
Australia, and a blueprint for action for the Government to begin making
a major investment in public transport.

Senator Ludlam said increased use of public transport was of great
benefit to the community.

"Current levels of car usage are simply unsustainable and government
needs to actively encourage people to take up public transport, if we
have any hope of addressing climate change."

"As costs of petrol continue to rise, the availability of accessible and
affordable public transport is becoming increasingly important. The
community is crying out for green transport options because they know
that it will not only allow them to reduce their carbon footprint, but
it makes good economic sense as well."

"Unfortunately, in many parts of Australia, public transport
infrastructure is either weak or non-existent. I want this senate
enquiry to shine the light on that and throw up some options for what
can be done," said Senator Ludlam.

For more information or media enquiries please call Robert Simms on 0417
174 302


Robert Simms
Media Adviser to
Senator Scott Ludlam
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia

Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3467 | Fax: 02 6277 5821 
S1.36, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Non-Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3566 | Fax: 02 6277 3185
SG111, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Mobile: 0417 174 302  

www.scottludlam.org.au <http://www.scottludlam.org.au/>