Gold Coast Greens

Although Labor’s proposed ETS legislation was generally deemed ineffective and counter-productive, the Government’s dumping of action on climate change is hardly a rational reaction. Labor is still obliged to fulfill their 2007 election promise within its elected term. Telling us the promise will be fulfilled in a subsequent term is unsatisfactory and unacceptable for two reasons: Labor has no guarantee of election for a following term and no right to make promises for a time of government over which the Party has no authority; more importantly, climate change requires action NOW in order to safeguard the future, and we cannot wait till 2013.

Genuine ETS alternatives continue to be presented to the Government, which would result in immediate climate change action for Australia, including the Greens’ compromise of a carbon levy, and the five actions outlined in ‘Plan B’ which has been presented by the Greens and several environmental organizations. (Plan B information: http://www.qccqld.org.au/docs/Campaigns/ClimateChange/Plan_B_Report_FINA...)

If, as many supporters of the failed ETS point out, any action on climate change is worthwhile, then why not start the right action? This Government still has ample time to pass legislation to ensure a strong Australian economy in the new, inevitable, global trading system. Concerned Forde residents must contact our Federal representative to demand real action on climate change.

Petrina Maizey
Greens Candidate for Forde