Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens' Leader
In further proof there's little to distinguish the two major parties on environmental issues, Labor's shadow Cabinet reshuffle has omitted the single biggest policy challenge facing the state, climate change.
In 2016, Tasmania experienced devastating bushfires and floods. Climate change is already having a significant impact on Tasmania, yet neither the Liberal Government or Labor Opposition take the issue seriously enough to have a dedicated climate change portfolio.
By ignoring climate change, both Labor and the Liberals dismiss humanity's biggest threat, and abrogate their responsibility to prepare Tasmania for the future.
This is hugely disappointing in 2017. It's a denial of reality and science, and it's irresponsible not to have a portfolio that's dedicated to making sure Tasmania can move towards zero net emissions and adapt to climate disruption in the years ahead.
Climate change impacts are, and will be, felt across all policy areas, industries and regions of Tasmania. Labor have sunk to the same myopic level of their Liberal counterparts in their reshuffle today.
It's clear the Greens are the only party in the Tasmanian Parliament who take climate change, and Tasmania's future resilience and prosperity, seriously.