Corbell attacks Lib climate 'sceptics'

Sunday Canberra Times
Sunday 11/7/2010 Page: 4

THE ACT Government has attacked the Opposition over its stance on the environment, accusing Liberal leader Zed Seselja of bowing to climate change sceptics within the party. The Opposition has heavily criticised the Government's measures to encourage sustainability, including an advertising campaign for energy reduction, the solar feed-in tariff, and most recently increasing the cost of car parking. However, Mr Corbell said it was hollow criticism because Mr Seselja had failed to outline an alternative environmental policy. While admitting Government action, such as parking fee increases, was bound to be unpopular, Mr Corbell said revenue would go towards funding a sustainable city.

He said the criticism pointed to a disturbing trend in the ACT Liberal Party on environmental policy, foreshadowing darker motives. "I'm concerned they will walk away from strong greenhouse gas reduction targets", Mr Corbell said. "We've seen some indications they may do that through some comments Mr Seselja made in the past 12 months. "In the report of the standing committee on the environment and climate change into greenhouse reduction targets, he said he's not convinced that the targets the committee recommended are appropriate. "

Mr Corbell said the comments made it clear the Liberals were softening their position on climate change. "When new look at those comments combined with their position on the feed-in tariff, car parking and bus travel it's quite clear they are watering down their commitment to climate change and sustainability across the board. I think it's quite clear the climate sceptics are reasserting their authority within the Liberal Party and Mr Seselja is having to bow to that". Mr Seselja was unavailable for interview yesterday but his office issued a statement attacking Mr Corbell. "The Opposition Leader will not be dignifying this baseless attack with a response, particularly from Minister Corbell, whose incompetence is rivalled only by Minister Joy Burell", the statement said.