ACT Federal representatives, Senator Kate Lundy, Bob McMullan and Annette Ellis have today expressed concern about reports that the Australian National Botanic Gardens will be forced to compromise its research and biodiversity programs in order to service projected debts.
“This issue faced by the Botanic Gardens is just one example of the type of problems Canberra institutions will face unless we take serious action to address and adapt to climate change”, said Senator Kate Lundy.
“This is a time when climate change and drought adaptation is one of the foremost challenges for Australia” said the Member for Fraser, Bob McMullan. “It is of serious concern that this significant institution would have to compromise its research into these important matters”.
Member for Canberra, Annette Ellis, observed “This is typical of the Howard government’s failure to adapt to the increasing demands of climate change and to invest in protecting Australia’s future”.
“I am alarmed that this will lead to the downgrading of this national institution which is of national and international importance”, Ms Ellis said.
The three Federal representatives committed themselves to continuing to advocate for a higher level of government support for the Botanic Gardens in order to defend and enhance its unique status.
Contact: Rachel Allen – 0418 488 295 (Lundy), Patrick Myrtle – 6247 4396 (McMullan), Ash Musgrove – 0419 020 419 (Ellis)
