[Greens-Media] Canberra Liberals say goodbye to 30% climate target?

[Jaques, Alison]

MEDIA RELEASE
Shane Rattenbury MLA, ACT Greens Member for Molonglo

13 February 2014

Canberra Liberals say goodbye to 30% climate target?

The Canberra Liberals appear to have walked away from taking any action on climate change in the ACT despite supporting a 30% emission target in 2010.

Today's opinion piece from Canberra Liberals' Environment Spokesperson Nicole Lawder was scathing about action taken in the ACT to implement the Territory's 40% climate change target, and yet only 4 years ago the Canberra Liberals were proposing action that would have required similar implementation.

"Aside from the lack of knowledge that Ms Lawder demonstrates on how the ACT purchases energy, and how the national electricity market functions, she has taken the Canberra Liberals to a new low on climate change action in the ACT," said Mr Rattenbury, Greens MLA for Molonglo.
"Former leader of the Canberra Liberals, Zed Seselja, strongly supported the ACT reaching for a 30% target, and the Liberals tabled legislation in the Assembly to that effect not once, but twice, in 2008."

I have indicated that strong leadership on greenhouse gas reduction targets is a goal worth striving for and which the Canberra Liberals support. That is why we have a 30 percent target in our legislation, which was introduced in 2008.
       Zed Seselja, Hansard, October 2010

"Where has that commitment disappeared to now?"

"The ACT is starting to see some of the implications of climate change in our weather patterns that have been forecast, such as longer periods of extreme heat and dry, and Ms Lawder's response is to treat the symptoms while ignoring the cause."

"The Greens believe there is a role for the ACT - both to ensure we manage local implications of climate change and build resilience, but also take responsibility for our contribution to the problem. This is a position that the majority of Canberrans support.

"In addition, getting the ACT off fossil fuels and locking in supply of renewable energy at a reasonable cost will set us up well for rising commodity prices predicted for gas and coal.

"It's become clear that the Canberra Liberals cannot be trusted to have a strong climate policy - like their colleagues on the Hill they are looking at band-aid solutions rather than addressing the issue," said Mr Rattenbury.

Statement ends


Ali Jaques | Media Adviser to Shane Rattenbury MLA
ACT Greens Member for Molonglo
Minister for Territory and Municipal Services; Corrections; Housing;
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs; and Ageing.

t:  (02) 6205 3897 | m:  0481 035 764| alison.jaques at act.gov.au |

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