The anti-planet Liberals in government have marked World Environment Day by introducing a Bill to axe the independent Tasmanian Climate Action Council, Greens’ Climate spokesperson, Cassy O’Connor MP said today.
“This government is like a Mini-Me of the Abbott Government on climate and the environment,” Ms O’Connor said.
“After removing the Ministerial portfolio of Climate Change, the Hodgman Liberals have now moved amendments to the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008 to get rid of the expert and independent Climate Action Council.”
“This is ideological. It’s not about money. TCAC’s expert advice to government, on how to reach our legislated emissions’ reduction target, costs the taxpayers $150 000 a year.”
“In return for those funds, taxpayers have had people with a vast breadth of expertise provide high quality and independent advice to the then Climate Change Minister and the Tasmanian Government on how Tasmania can reduce its emissions by 60% on 1990 levels by 2050.”
“TCAC was also critical to the development of what has been recognised as the most outstanding climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy produced by any State or Territory, the Climate Smart 2020 Strategy.”
“Apparently, there’s no such thing as global warming and Tasmania has no moral responsibility to be part of a global solution to ensure a safe climate for our children and grandchildren. That’s the message we’re getting from the Liberals, here and nationally.”
“Liberals in government are, by any definition, climate criminals. They earn that title by taking action that they know will harm future generations and, in fact, lead to death and destruction on an unimaginable scale.”
Ms O’Connor also noted that the Liberal Government’s Forestry (Rebuilding the Forest Industry) Bill 2014 removes forest carbon monetisation potential that currently exists under the Tasmanian Forests Agreement Act 2012, a move she describes as economically, environmentally and socially regressive for Tasmania.