[Greens-Media] Rees should prove climate change concern in mini-budget

[John Kaye]

Rees should prove climate change concern in mini-budget
 
Media Release: 29 October 2008
 
The Greens have welcomed comments by NSW Premier Nathan Rees that "there is no longer a climate change sceptic at the centre of government decision-making in this state". However, the proof of this new-found concern will be in the mini-budget, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr Kaye said: "Michael Costa might have gone but plenty of his powerful allies remain in the NSW Cabinet, including Mining, Energy and Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald, Treasurer Eric Roozendaal and Ports Minister Joe Tripodi.
 
"Premier Rees says his government will 'prepare' for climate change. He must do more than concede defeat. He must turn around this NSW's appalling addiction to coal.
 
"This is a government whose response to the threat of dangerous climate change has been to expand coal mining and exports and private car use. No effort has been made to shift to clean energy.
 
"The November mini-budget will be a test of Premier Rees' commitment to tackling climate change.
 
"In the last three years, the government has spent just $6.6 million supporting the development of renewable energy. This is less than 35 cents per person per year.
 
"Only $187,415 was spent last year on renewable energy research and development.
 
"Independent reports have consistently demonstrated that a jobs-rich, renewable energy future is available with large-scale benefits to the economy.
 
"Nathan Rees says that the era of spin is over. If that is the case, the people of NSW can expect the Premier's concern about climate change to be matched by real investment in a clean energy future, not just re-announcements of existing measures", Dr Kaye said.
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455