[Peakoil] Govt, ALP reject strategic plan to address rising petrol prices

[Antony Barry]

This media release may relate to this speech - http:// 
parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au/piweb/view_document.aspx? 
id=2346293&table=HANSARDS

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday, 10 August 2006

Govt, ALP reject strategic plan to address rising petrol prices

The federal government and ALP today refused to back a call for a
strategic response to rising oil prices, leaving Australians exposed to
higher fuel costs.

Australian Greens energy spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said the
rejection of the Greens' proposal by the coalition and Labor highlighted
the failure of leadership on energy security and climate change.

"After the Howard government has been found wanting in the face of
predictable oil prices rises, it is irresponsible for the Liberal and
Labor to reject long-term planning to reduce Australia's dependence on
oil," Senator Milne said in Canberra.

"It is imperative that we start looking at how to redesign our cities to
reduce dependence on private vehicles and that we make a major
investment in public transport.

"Without such action, governments leave Australians exposed to rising
petrol prices and the national economy exposed to the consequences."

Senator Milne's motion appears below. Labor and government senators
voted against it. Family First Senator Stephen Fielding failed to vote.

That the Senate-
	(a)	recognises that the global price of oil is likely to
continue to rise because of dwindling global supply, ongoing demand
including from the rapidly growing economies of China and India, limited
and inflexible refining capacity, interrupted supply because of climate
change related storms and infrastructure damage in addition to
geo-political factors;
	(b)	endorses the development of a national strategy to
reduce Australia's dependence on oil; and
	(c)	calls on the Government to:
	(i)	establish a Council of Australian Governments process to
begin redesigning Australian cities with a view to investing in public
transport to reduce car dependence,
	(ii)	introduce mandatory vehicle fuel efficiency standards
for all new motor vehicles, and
       (iii)  invest in the development of alternative fuels.

Contact: Katrina Willis 03 6234 4566 or 0437 587 562



Katrina Willis
Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
Phone 03 6234 4566
Fax 03 6234 2144
Mobile 0437 587 562
www.christinemilne.org.au

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