Bob Brown Asks Questions of Peter Garrett

Greens Leader Bob Brown says he is looking forward to meeting with Labor's new environment spokesperson, Peter Garrett.

"As companions in the battle to stop environmental vandalism inAustralia over the last 3 decades, it is important we co-ordinate our powerful positions to rapidly move Australia to a world role model and leader in environmental policy and technology," Senator Brown said.

"The predominance of the coal and uranium mining industries in setting government policy, exemplified in yesterday's announcement of the PrimeMinister's emissions trading task force, has to end. Real scientific and business nous built on a determination to turn around climate change, species extinction and deforestation, has to come to the top in political decision making.

"I want to discuss with Peter the shape of an effective carbon tax, end to logging of forests, the enormous dangers which flow from uranium exports, and the huge business opportunities for Australia from environmental technology being rescued from its Howard-era relegation,"Senator Brown said.

"Will Peter be let off Labor's leash on coal and uranium mining? He must not acquiesce to being a Labor rubber stamp for policies which repudiate all his campaigning splendour," Senator Brown said.

Senator Brown has written to Peter Garrett recommending a meeting.