Both the Liberal and Labor Parties have lost an outstanding opportunity to commit significant funds to combating climate change.
Recent research conducted by the Lowy Institute showed that 47% of Australians believe that tackling climate change is either our most important or our second-most important goal, placing it alongside education and health care in terms of importance.
The spending commitments by both major parties on programs to address climate change pale into insignificance when compared to their commitments on education and health care.
This lack of funding is even more disturbing in light of the latest report from the UN claiming that “a sixth major extinction is under way, this time caused by human behaviour.” Read more on this report below.
In this country we have access to low emission motor vehicles and a wide range of home, office and leisure products that emit less carbon dioxide than those commonly used. We need to substantially increase rebates for people who decide to purchase and use these low emission products and to phase out non-compliant technologies.
We also need to work alongside high emission companies such as those in the resources sector and setting timely and achievable emission reduction targets.
I am shocked and disappointed that, with their recent tax announcements, the two main political parties have lost an opportunity to demonstrate well researched, planned and comprehensive policies and commitments to climate change.
