[Greens-Media] Is the Environment Minister 'threatened' or just 'vulnerable'?

[Peter Stahel]

Is the Environment Minister 'threatened' or just 'vulnerable'?

Greens MP and environment spokesperson Cate Faehrmann says the Premier must immediately reinstate the Department of Environment and consider an urgent cabinet reshuffle after an embarrassing performance from the Minister in Budget Estimates. 

"The Minister clearly has a very poor understanding of her portfolio. She is confused about the legislation her department administers and doesn't understand some of the more basic principles and terminology relevant to her job as Environment Minister," said Ms Faehrmann.

"In NSW environmental legislation, threatened species can be 'critically endangered', 'endangered' or 'vulnerable'. After today's performance, I'd say the Minister qualifies for all three.

"Amongst other mistakes, the Minister implied that a species listed as 'vulnerable' under the Threatened Species Conservation Act was not actually threatened. But they are, and it's very worrying indeed that the Minister did not know this basic fact after seven months in the job.

"Upcoming environment bills to strengthen the Environmental Protection Authority are a big step in the right direction after years of cuts under Labor, but there are clearly serious problems at the Office of Environment and Heritage. I'm starting to wonder how much of that comes down to the ability or otherwise of the Minister to do her job.

"The Premier needs to take some responsibility for putting such an important portfolio in the hands of a Minister who doesn't have the right expertise. 

"Barry O'Farrell must immediately reinstate the Department of Environment and consider an urgent cabinet reshuffle. The people of NSW deserve better than this," said Ms Faehrmann.

Media contact: Peter Stahel 0433 005 727