2016-04-28
Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber says the State Budget fails to address climate change, public transport overcrowding and demand on public schools.
“This is not a Green budget," Greg Barber said.
“The Government is absolutely rolling in cash, which means the time for excuses is over. What this budget does is make clear what their priorities aren’t.
“Overcrowding on public transport is here to stay and getting worse. They aren’t adding new train, tram and bus services fast enough to keep up with their own predictions on passenger growth. Where is the plan to fix that?
“On global warming, they’ve simply ducked the problem. The small amounts they’ve allocated for energy programs contrasts with the billions they are spending on mega-tollroads. They’ve got no plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
“It’s good though that after pressure from the local community and the Greens, they’ve recognised that coal power is in decline and money is needed for a transition in the Latrobe Valley.
“We know that 220 new schools are needed over the next ten years, just to keep up with growth. This budget provides just eleven. Where is the plan for the rest?”
“Community legal centres have been inexplicably overlooked in the budget, despite their decades of experience providing specialist legal services for family violence victims.