2021-11-05
The signing of the Global Coal to Clean Power Transition statement by the ACT government, which took place as part of the UN Conference of Parties (COP) climate summit today, clearly shows the positive role the Greens play in securing climate action, the ACT Greens said today.
“While the Morrison government used the summit as an opportunity to spruik investment in Australia’s fossil fuel industry, the ACT government has reduced emissions by 40% since 1990, and is committed to taking every further action”, Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng, Greens candidate for the Senate said today.
“That’s because we Greens believe in international cooperation and accept a responsibility to do our bit when faced with collective challenges”.
“This is what Australia’s climate policy would look like on the global stage with Greens in the balance of power after the next election”, Dr Goreng Goreng also said.
“It's no coincidence that the only jurisdiction with the Greens in government is the only Australian state or territory to sign the statement”, Tim Hollo, candidate for Canberra, said today.
Hollo noted, “It's fantastic to see that Mr Barr, who last election called phasing out gas ‘a crazy Greens proposal’, is now on board with this crucial step for the climate”.
“This is exactly why we’re seeking election in the Federal parliament, to pull Labor in the direction many of their MPs, and the vast majority of their voters, want them to take”, said Hollo.
Comments attributable to Tim Hollo, Greens candidate for Canberra.
“The contrast between ACT Labor and their federal counterparts couldn't be more clear. Labor has refused to set meaningful 2030 commitments, while Anthony Albanese is on record saying coal and gas have a long future”.
“What’s really disappointing is that Labor has also been pushed by their fossil fuel donors to support expansion, including the use of public subsidies, new coal and gas projects, including fracking in the NT, dozens of new coal mines including Adani, and new gas-fired power stations”.
“We know that many MPs within Labor want to see Australia turn this around and replace fossil fuels with renewables, but they are prevented from voting for these values in parliament by factions, fossil fuel donors and their party elite”.
“In balance of power the Greens will ensure these MPs vote in accordance with the views of their community, and in many cases in accordance with what they know to be right.
“That means voting Greens is the best way to secure real climate action”.
Comments attributable to Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng, Greens candidate for the Senate
“The only credible climate policy is one that ends the mining and burning of coal and gas, replacing it with renewable energy, in the next ten years. Only the Greens will do this”.
“Electing Greens now is critical - neither Labor or the Liberals are popular enough to govern in their own right, meaning Labor will have to again work with the Greens”.
“Glasgow has made it clear that delay is the new denial. Any climate policy that expands the use of fossil fuels or fails to set serious 2030 targets is a farce”.
Canberrans have the opportunity to drive national change in our climate policy, by kicking out Zed Seselja, one of the biggest ‘climate blockers’ in the Senate, and electing Tim Hollo in the federal seat of Canberra, to ensure the next government commits to take strong action.