GREENS VOTE TO DESTROY ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Media Release.

Mark Butler MP.

Shadow Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water

Date:  14 November 2013

The Greens political party has sided with the Coalition twice in two days to vote down a full and proper inquiry into the Government’s carbon tax repeal legislation and their Direct Action con. 

After last night voting against Labor’s motion in the Senate for proper scrutiny of the Government’s policies, today they once again sat next to the Coalition and substantially weakened a committee inquiry into Australia’s carbon future, giving it just two weeks to examine incredibly complex issues.

The Shadow Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water, Mark Butler, said such cynical moves showed the real motives of the Greens.     

“The Greens are not interested in tackling climate change. The Greens are not interested in working constructively to reduce carbon emissions. The Greens are only interested in playing politics,” Mr Butler said.

“I’m gobsmacked that Christine Milne and the Greens have actually voted to help the Coalition quickly and quietly get rid of a legislated price on carbon and escape proper scrutiny on their discredited Direct Action policies."  

“The carbon tax repeal bills cannot be considered in isolation from the Coalition’s Direct Action policy – a policy that means Australia will be doing next to nothing to tackle climate change."

“The Greens need to understand this isn’t about the political cycle over the next two weeks. This is about the next generation."  

“A vote against a full and proper investigation into the Government’s policies is a vote for inaction on climate change. It’s a vote to take Australia backwards."  

“This shows the Greens utter contempt for key environmental groups and all Australians who care about climate change.”