[Peakoil] News items from Canberra Times Tue, 8 Aug 2006

[POLLARD,Sandy]

I think two themes from now on could be:

1. 'We need to take the politics out of Peak Oil' (and, for that matter,
global warming).

As Tony's observed - and as we know from the Senate Inquiry - the minor
parties get it.

Problem is, the government will always be reluctant to be seen to be
pushing policies that appear to be part of (say) a Greens agenda. This
is apart from their natural tendency to be industry friendly free market
growth boosters etc. We have the silly situation where the PM is
inviting people to give him solutions or ideas, but will not yet canvass
the reasonable list that Christine Milne has provided as a starter:

"Prime Minister Howard should immediately:
> 	*	Begin the process to redesign Australian cities, with
> huge investment in public transport.
> 	*	Remove the GST on public transport. This would have the
> added benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
> 	*	Make vehicle fuel efficiency standards mandatory.
> 	*	Provide a rebate to individuals and businesses for the
> cost of converting vehicles from petrol to LPG and natural gas.
> 	*	Invest in the development of alternative fuels, and the
> distribution network to make them easily accessible.
> 	*	Remove the barriers to the importation of electric
> vehicles and convert the government's car fleet to more fuel efficient

> vehicles."

It will be a travesty if the media doesn't cite this list, given all
their current bleating. It will be a further travesty if the Senate
Committee's forthcoming recommendations (which may well include some of
the points above) are also ignored. Also note here that Bakhtiari made
the interesting suggestion to the Senate Committee that public transport
should immediately be made free. (Transcript at):

http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/senate/commttee/S9515.pdf

(a great read)

2. Along these lines, second theme should be:

The government must start taking the time to listen to the evidence and
suggestions of the experts fronting this committee (otherwise, what the
hell is a parliamentary democracy for?)

I'm not in a comfortable position to contribute to the letters page from
a public service email address (so much for frank and fearless advice!)
but of course am happy for anyone to run with these themes if they are
interested and able.

Regards      


Sandy Pollard


-----Original Message-----
From: peakoil-bounces+sandy.pollard=dewr.gov.au at act-peakoil.org
[mailto:peakoil-bounces+sandy.pollard=dewr.gov.au at act-peakoil.org] On
Behalf Of Antony Barry
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 11:23 AM
To: Peakoil Discussion
Subject: [Peakoil] News items from Canberra Times Tue, 8 Aug 2006

"MPs seek GST option on fuel" by Andrew Fraser and Ross Peake p.2

Reports coalition meeting and opposition comments which considered a
number of options to cut petrol prices including a temporary reduction
in the GST which the states would be unhappy with.

Comment: There is still an assumption that this is a temporary problem.
Any letter should target this.
_._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.


"Which excise should be excised - a taxing question" by Paul Maley p.1

Reports comments of independents and minor parties. Democrat's   
Allison recognises that prices will continue to go up. Green's Milne
brings in importation barriers on electric cars and need for support for
LPG conversions.

Comment: At least the minor parties are getting it. Letters in support
of their views would be valuable.
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"Some differing opinions on fuel tax and its effects" Letters p.14

Letter from Barry Naughton attacks both parties and points out that only
the US has lower petrol taxes than Australia out of OECD countries. We
need to address our long term oil addiction but the major parties are
not.

Letter from Robert Ettery attacks the government and points out that
there is customs tax, excise and GST on petrol and these should be cut.

Letter from Murray May points out peak oil is coming and we need a plan.

Comment: Maybe Murray is a member of this list?? Letters following up
would be good.
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"Fuel rise flow-on a threat to inflation" by Kanchan Dutt p.17

Dun and Bradstreet survey reports companies will pass on the fuel price
cost increases to their customers. Other economic statistics indicate
the economy is slowing.

Comment: When the peak hits and the oil price really starts tio jump we
will be in for a very bad time. Inflation from the price rises,
recession from the disruption to economic activity - stagflation.
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Tony
Feral Librarian | http://tony-barry.emu.id.au
P: 02 6241 7659 | tony at Tony-Barry.emu.id.au
M: 04 1242 0397 | tony.barry at alianet.alia.org.au




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