2018-12-13
Greens will leave no stone unturned to block government spending money on coal: Bandt
Referring to Energy Minister Angus Taylor's call for proposals for the government’s underwriting fund, Greens climate change and energy spokesperson Adam Bandt warned the government that the Greens will leave no stone unturned in efforts to block public money being spent on coal-fired power stations. Mr Bandt has introduced legislation to prohibit public money going to coal-fired power stations and flagged amendments to the government’s so-called ‘big stick’ bill that would also prohibit coal-fired power stations from receiving public money.
“If the government wants to use this fund to prop up coal, we’ll leave no stone unturned in trying to stop them,” said Mr Bandt.
“Public money shouldn’t be poured into coal at the expense of schools and hospitals.
“I have introduced legislation, supported by Labor and the crossbench, that would block public money from going to coal.
“If we can’t get my bill passed, we will attempt to amend the government’s ‘big stick’ bill.
“We can’t take any risks with our coal-cradling Prime Minister and the motley coal crew on the backbench.
“This power-sharing Parliament must act to stop the government from recklessly exposing taxpayers to huge liabilities by underwriting coal.
“Otherwise, taxpayers will be left paying for stranded assets while climate change gets even worse.”
Contact: Gideon Reisner, 0429 109 054
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