Federal Member for Fraser Bob McMullan, Federal Member for Canberra Annette Ellis and Senator for the ACT Kate Lundy have expressed their disappointment on behalf of the ACT at the Liberal Party’s decision to block the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme in the Senate today.
“Today’s reckless act by the Liberal Party marks a gigantic step backwards in the battle to tackle climate change, and a gigantic step backwards for Australia’s national interest.”
Australia is one of the hottest and driest continents on earth which means our environment and economy will be hit hard in the future by climate change. That is why the Rudd Government is taking action on climate change.
The potential impacts and costs to the Territory’s industries, infrastructure, environment and people is significant. The ACT is likely to experience rising temperatures, increases in extreme weather events including high-intensity rainfall, flood, drought and bush fire risk. By 2070 the annual average number of days over 35°C in the ACT could grow from the current 5 days to 8-25 days.
“We must take decisive action on climate change for our children, grandchildren and future generations of Australians.
“The Rudd Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme is the most effective, responsible way to reduce carbon pollution and help families and businesses make the transition to a greener economy.
“The climate change extremists in the Liberal Party have stopped Australia from taking decisive action on climate change.”
32 countries already have national emissions trading schemes, 4 other major economies are moving towards emissions trading and 27 states and provinces in the US and Canada are introducing emissions trading.
Media contact: Annika Hutchins – 0407 458 882 (Lundy)
Sam Casey – 0421 697 660 (McMullan)
Brenton Sloane – 0431 252 698 (Ellis)
