[Greens-Media] Media Release - Mount Isa lead poisoning the result of government failure: Greens

[Blyberg, Andrew (Sen R. Di Natale)]

Media Release
 
Dr Richard Di Natale
Greens Senator for Victoria
 
17/06/2013

Mount Isa lead poisoning the result of government failure: Greens

A report published today in Environmental Pollution has indicated that a lead mine in Mount Isa has caused local residents to suffer lead poisoning.

Australian Greens health spokesperson, Senator Richard Di Natale, referred an inquiry into the health impacts of air quality at the end of last year and that inquiry is still ongoing.

"This report underlines the importance of improving air quality standards and monitoring, which is the reason for my Senate Inquiry into air pollution," said Senator Di Natale

"We know that air pollution presents a very real threat to human health and are not doing enough to protect the community. 

"Similar air pollution issues are occurring right around the country and are exposing people to serious health related harms. They reflect a total failure in ensuring that Australians aren't exposed to the dangers of poor air quality.

"The evidence from the inquiry is very clear - our health safeguards are far too weak. Australia's air quality standards need to be strengthened and we need to increase the level monitoring, especially in communities that are particularly vulnerable like Mount Isa.

"The old parties have ignored this issue for too long and sadly people are continuing to pay the price with their health. The Greens put this issue on the agenda and we will continue to pursue it because we care about protecting the health of the community."

Media Contact:         Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600