[Greens-Media] Greens welcome New Car Plan: Rudd's first step towards 'Green New Deal'

[Hollo, Tim (Sen C. Milne)]

Greens welcome New Car Plan: Rudd's first step towards 'Green New Deal'

Canberra, Monday 10 November 2008  The Australian Greens today welcomed
the Rudd Government's first concrete acknowledgement that the path to
economic recovery lies through a 'Green New Deal', but much more needs
to be done.

"The Rudd Government deserves congratulations for recognising that it is
only by putting Australia's jobs and industry onto a greener footing
that we will come through the global financial crisis stronger and
better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead," said Australian
Greens Deputy Leader and Climate Change Spokesperson, Senator Christine
Milne.

"The Green Car package is an important first step towards a 'Green New
Deal', but there is still much to be done, for cars, for public
transport, and for the wider economy. The Greens look forward to working
closely with the Government to implement this broader green recovery
plan.

"There is not a moment to lose as, around the world, President-elect
Obama, Gordon Brown, Nicolas Sarkozy and Ban Ki Moon have all started
putting their weight behind the new hot-growth industries of the green
energy revolution.

"Mr Obama has announced a $150 billion investment in a clean energy
economy, including accelerating the commercialisation of plug-in hybrid
cars.

"Investing in putting the car manufacturing sector onto a greener
footing is vitally important and something that the Greens have long
been calling for. But the Government needs to recognise that that will
not be enough.

"We need to see a 'carrot and stick' approach that provides financial
support for re-tooling while also implementing mandatory vehicle fuel
efficiency standards, changing the tax system and putting the
Government's money where its mouth is with its own fleet.

"Changing Government purchasing to fuel efficient, hybrid electric and,
eventually, plug-in hybrid cars is one of the best ways to bring those
cars onto Australian roads. With quick turnover into the second hand
market, government fleet purchasing has a fast and direct impact on
Australia's total fleet, our fuel consumption and our greenhouse gas
emissions.

"The Greens were pleased to work with the Government in greening up the
Luxury Car tax in the Senate. With work in the Senate on this package to
make it better targeted, we look forward to getting one sector of the
Australian economy onto the 'Green New Deal'.

"We look forward to discussing the next steps with the Government,
investing in infrastructure for buses, trains and trams, rolling out
energy efficiency upgrades across the country, and rebuilding
Australia's energy network for zero emissions renewable electricity."

Tim Hollo
Media Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
ph: (02) 6277 3588
mob: 0437 587 562

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