[Greens-Media] Green elements of stimulus not prioritised: Milne seeks briefing on school building efficiency

[Hollo, Tim (Sen C. Milne)]

Green elements of stimulus not prioritised: Milne seeks briefing on
school building efficiency

Friday 28 August 2009

Slashing the home insulation target by 25% would not have happened had
the Rudd Government prioritised win-win environmental programs in its
stimulus package, the Australian Greens said today.

The Greens had argued long in advance of the stimulus announcement that
a major investment in upgrading all Australia's homes for energy
efficiency would have helped both the economy and the environment.
Adding last minute ad hoc programs to the stimulus was always an
approach destined for failure.

There is also rising concern that the agreement to ensure all new school
buildings are energy efficient is not being honoured.

"It is clear that the Rudd Government's economic stimulus has been
economically effective, but the environmental after-thoughts have not
been working," Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne,
said.

"If energy efficiency measures had been made central to the stimulus
effort, the programs could have done as much good for the climate as
they have for the economy.

"Sadly, the Rudd Government sees the climate crisis as a political
grandstand for photo opportunities instead of something which needs
serious attention."

Senator Milne wrote to Education Minister Julia Gillard on June 26,
seeking a briefing on the energy efficiency of buildings built as part
of the schools package as per the agreement with the Greens. The
briefing has not yet been offered.

"I was deeply troubled by reports that new school buildings were not
being built according to any kind of efficiency guidelines.

"If this is the case, it is a tremendous lost opportunities for
students, teachers and the environment, and it is a direct dishonouring
of the agreement the Government made with the Greens.

"It is clear that this Government is not particularly interested in the
climate crisis, but if an agreement is reached, it should be honoured.

"I look forward to being briefed by the Minister on this at her earliest
convenience."


Tim Hollo
Media Adviser
Senator Christine Milne | Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Climate
Change Spokesperson
Suite SG-112 Parliament House, Canberra ACT | P: 02 6277 3588 | M: 0437
587 562
http://www.christinemilne.org.au/| www.GreensMPs.org.au
<http://www.greensmps.org.au/> 



	
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