Time for a Stern Reaction

The Stern report on the economic costs of failing to address climate change has exposed Prime Minister John Howard's economic ineptitude, theAustralian Greens said today.

The British government commissioned report by former World Bank economist Sir Nicholas Stern, to be released later today, finds that the world needs to spend around 1 per cent of global gross domestic product(GDP) to address climate change now or risk climate chaos precipitatinga global depression with 200 million refugees.

Greens climate change spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said the report stood in stark contrast to the stubborn refusal of the Howard government to take climate change seriously.

"The report leaves Prime Minister Howard and Treasurer Peter Costello exposed," Senator Milne said in Canberra.

"The May Budget failed to recognise climate change and the drought as risks to the economy and only two months ago, Prime Minister Howard was staring down global scientific opinion, saying he would not commit Australia to making deep greenhouse emission cuts because it would cost jobs.

"The Stern report supports several Australian studies that show that acting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions now will cost far less than the consequences of not acting.

"Prime Minister Howard and Treasurer Costello say that addressing climate change will destroy the economy. In fact, it is the other way around.

"The Howard government has spent a decade refusing to take climate change seriously, fiddling at the margins and relying on voluntary measures which have failed to rein in Australia's greenhouse gase missions, exposing our unique ecosystems and wildlife to extinction.

"With just 10-15 years left to prevent catastrophic, irreversibleclimate change, the government must now admit it has been wrong and implement measures that will make a real difference, starting with a national greenhouse gas reduction target, a system of national energy efficiency targets, lifting the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target andputting a price on carbon."

Action on Climate Change

International Day of Action on Climate Change

WALK AGAINST WARMING

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4th

in Newcastle, Maitland and Sydney

All are urged to join this growing movement demanding deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions through:
* Renewable energy guarantees
* No new coal fired power or mines
* Better public transport

You can participate in either the NEWCASTLE or MAITLAND events,
in view of the significance of our port being the largest coal exporter in the southern hemisphere. Help stop expansion of the coal industry and campaign for clean, renewable energy.

NEWCASTLE EVENT:

The recently-formed group, Climate Action Newcastle, is organising an event on Nobbys Beach (rather than a walk).

They are asking you to join together to make a huge human sign on the beach, reading:

BEYOND COAL ... RENEWABLES.

To achieve this, at least 800 people are needed. So as well as yourself, please bring your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

Assemble at 1.00 pm (for a 2.00 pm photo shoot of the display), at the Surf Lifesaving Club end of Nobbys Beach.

It would help if people intending to come could register beforehand.

Please phone 8588 1260 to leave a message.

For further information contact: Vicki Brooke, ph. 0425 243 860.

MAITLAND EVENT:

Assemble 10.00 am at Maitland Post Office

Bring: family, friends, kids & placards for a fun walk ending at Maitland Park with speakers and entertainment.

Prizes for Best Slogan, Best Placard, Best Decorated Parasol.

Coordinated through the Nature Conservation Council and Maitland Greens.

For further information: Ph. 4933 2624

SYDNEY EVENT:

Assemble 11.00 am, Martin Place - walk to Botanic Gardens

Supported on the day by:

Mel and Kochie - Sunrise, Channel 7
Kylie Kwong - Celebrity Chef
Uniting Church Reverend Elenie Poulis
Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown
John Robertson, Secretary, Unions NSW
Jennie George, Federal Member for Throsby
.... and The Stiff Gins

The Government will only take real action on climate change and protect our kids' futures if you tell them to. Join thousands of other Australians in a peaceful walk urging action non climate change NOW.

Scully Resignation a Reminder to All MPs

Scully resignation needs to be turning point in politicians' behaviour

The Scully resignation is a reminder to all MPs that the public expect politicians to act ethically Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said today.

"The Premier and all the Labor Ministers need to learn the tough lessons from the Scully resignation," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Mr Scully's actions have damaged the Labor government and the democratic process.

"The Coalition would be wise to refrain from crowing over Mr Scully's resignation. Liberal and National MPs could well be in Mr Scully's shoes if they were in government

"What has happened to Mr Scully is a reminder to all public figures to lift their game.

"The Premier should use Mr Scully's resignation to demonstrate to the people of NSW that sneaky underhand tactics will not be tolerated.

"Both major parties need to learn the lesson that the public want their elected representatives to act honestly at all times," Ms Rhiannon said.

Australian Greens Respond to Federal Government Action on Climate Change

Propping up polluting coal and one-off grants send wrong signal to investors

The Australian Greens today welcomed the federal government's financial support for a major solar energy project but said that using publicfunds to prop up polluting coal power was a step in the wrong direction.

Greens energy and climate change spokesperson Senator Christine Milnesaid the first grants under the Low Emissions Technology DemonstrationFund demonstrated the Howard government's inability to get to grips witha major cause of climate change.

"These one-off project announcements are not the signal that investorsneed. They want a price on carbon, something the government utterlyrejects," Senator Milne said in Hobart.

"The Greens welcome financial support for the Solar Systems project inVictoria.

"This is the kind of project the government should have been backing forthe past 10 years instead of driving cutting-edge solar technologydeveloped in Australia offshore because of the absence of a regulatoryframework to support renewable energy.

"That being said, it is widespread commercialisation that will bringdown the costs of renewables in this country - not more ad-hoc researchon one or two projects and in a handful of university laboratories.

"Propping up Hazelwood power station, the dirtiest in the country, is astep in the wrong direction. The carbon capture and storage project willtake three years to bring on line at a time when we need urgent actionto reduce our greenhouse emissions.

"The government is wedded to coal power and until it accepts thatreliance on this fossil fuel is the chief cause of the problem we facethen the Australian public is entitled to question its commitment toaddress the greatest environmental threat facing the planet."

NSW Energy Crisis Demands (re)New(able) Solutions

Media Release 25 October 2006

Today's announcement that NSW is facing potential blackouts and increasing prices for electricity demonstrates the need for an overhaul of the way we supply and use energy, said NSW Upper House Greens MP Ian Cohen.

"It seems the biggest single problem is the increasing use of energy guzzling air conditioners on hot days. The major factor in the increasing numbers of hot days is, of course, climate change. Any option that does not reduce greenhouse gas emissions would therefore be counterproductive and must be rejected out of hand," Mr Cohen said.

"The people of NSW will not cop the ALP yet again knocking on the doors of their mates in the coal industry. That would be a 19th century solution to a 21st century problem.

"The Government has previously announced its reticence to go down the nuclear path, and that is to be applauded. It is a dangerous fossil fuel based red herring that will take decades to come on line. We don't have that long.

"There is no single solution to this problem. One area that ought be examined is demand management. The people of NSW have shown an admirable willingness to cut water usage. I have faith in their ability to demonstrate the same sense of public spirit and creativity on this issue. The people however, cannot be expected to make sacrifices on their own. They need government support.

"The NSW Government has more gas fired plants in mind for dealing with peak demand. The Greens support this, but only as an interim measure whilst we wean ourselves off coal.

"The long-term baseload solution however, is to be found in today's other major announcement, that being the Federal and Victorian Governments announcing a joint venture to fund a solar plant in northern Victoria. This is only a small step, but at least renewable energy is on Steve Bracks' and John Howard's radar.

"The time has passed for renewable energy to be considered only as a boutique option. Our future energy needs and the dangers presented by climate change demand that Morris Iemma and Joe Tripodi place it front and centre of their energy plans for NSW," Mr Cohen said.

Greens Win Review of NSW FOI Bill

MEDIA RELEASE
19 October 2006

The Greens private members bill calling for a comprehensive review of the NSW Freedom of Information Act was passed today in the Upper House.

“The Bill was passed by 24 votes to 17. The Government voted against the bill. This is an important win for open and accountable government”, said Greens MP Lee Rhiannon.

“The Government’s decision to vote against the bill shows they are committed to a culture of secrecy.

“The review must be undertaken by a body independent from the government as soon as possible after the bill is passed. The reviewer is to hold public hearings at locations throughout NSW. A report on the outcome of the review must be presented in parliament within 18 months.

“The bill requires that the review consider the timeliness of FOI applications, the expense of FOI applications and the government’s use and misuse of exemptions to refuse access to information.

“The NSW FOI Act is stuck in the horse-and-buggie age and has not been reviewed in its 17 years of operation, despite recommendations from the NSW Ombudsman for over a decade to review the FOI Act.

“In debate, Labor MP Amanda Fazio claimed that the Act is under constant review. But this is a Clayton’s review process. There is no timeline, no call for public submissions and no public report or recommendations. The people of NSW deserve better.

“The government also argued against a review because it is currently updating its FOI procedures manual. This is a dismal defence. The FOI procedures manual is already 7 years overdue, showing what little regard the government really has for FOI laws.

“FOI application fees are so high that people are being dissuaded from using FOI laws and requests are being met with lengthy delays. Government agencies are overusing or misusing exemption clauses, such as cabinet confidentiality, to deny access to information.

“The Bill will now move to the Lower House. It is time Premier Iemma showed some leadership and reformed this key piece of legislation,” Ms Rhiannon said.

Climate Change Election

8 October 2006
Greens release NSW Election Plan

The Greens NSW today released details of their biggest state election campaign, with plans to shift government policy on issues such as climate change, protection of the natural environment and job security, and boost the number of Greens MPs.

"This is Australia's first climate change election. The Greens are campaigning to break the major parties' addiction to coal, to wasting energy and to building inefficient motorways," Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said.

"The Greens election platform sets out how we can have a win for the environment and win for the economy by investing in renewables.Lee Rhiannon is likely to be re-elected and there is a strong chance she will be joined by the second candidate on the Greens ticket, Dr John Kaye, taking the Greens Upper House team to four MPs. This could be enough to hold the balance of power.

"The NSW Upper House will be a very different place after the next election. There will be a changing of the guard among the independents and minor parties, and Greens MPs are well positioned to play a pivotal role in passing legislation," Ms Rhiannon said.

"More Greens MPs means that the major parties will find it harder to ignore the needs of the community. The Carr and Iemma governments have been a big disappointment. Apart from Labor's stand on WorkChoices, their policies are often conservative and driven by the big end of town. The conservative Coalition is much worse."

If the Greens hold the balance of power in the Upper House in the next parliament, the government will be under greater pressure to deliver progressive policies that work for the environment and communities across NSW.

"I am very pleased to release the Greens 2007 election platform, which outlines how we can restore public services, protect the environment and make the government more accountable to the people of NSW. We plan to stand candidates in all 93 Lower House seats."

"More than 2000 Greens members in NSW are ready for an active statewide campaign. Although the major parties use their corporate donations to heavily outspend us, we can match or outdo Labor and the Coalition in mobilising people," Ms Rhiannon said.

Getting to the train on time...

How well is our public transport network serving Charlestown? Last week buses were replaced by utes on the 312 route. As outlined in the Newcastle Morning Herald on Saturday 30th September, this raises a number of issues including safety and comfort for passengers and the provision of adequate places.

There are many other regular timetable and service concerns in Charlestown.

Thanks to a tip off from an unimpressed resident, I now know it takes an hour to get from Adamstown Heights to Newcastle by bus (route 111 via Maryville – the previous direct 204 and 304 services have been cut).

I decided to investigate the duration of other public transport journeys around the Charlestown electorate. The 131500 Transport Infoline trip planner (available online) proved to be a fantastic tool for this purpose.

I discovered that on a Saturday I can get from Warners Bay to Newcastle in 54 minutes, if I change buses at Charlestown. The direct route (363) takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.

I will report on other journey times as my investigations continue. Your comments, observations and trip reports on public transport around the electorate would be appreciated – please use the feedback link.

Question of the week – how do commuters from Charlestown, Warners Bay or Dudley get to a train station?