Media Release
EMBARGOED UNTIL 9AM FEB 25th 2009:
MUZZLED AUSTRALIANS GAIN A VOICE ON ETS
The Australian Environment Foundation today launched an online petition
opposing the federal government’s “Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme”. The
petition will eventually be presented to Parliament by Dr Dennis Jensen, MHR
for Tangney.
AEF Chair Dr Jennifer Marohasy said there is a strong need for the petition
because none of the major political parties are offering an alternative to carbon
trading.
“To quote John from Cheltenham, Victoria, one of the early signatories, ‘At last
a chance to protest, a chance to be heard, a chance for the millions of
Australians who have not fallen for this propaganda to speak out’.”
Dr Marohasy said that many Australians oppose this scheme because they know
it will cost them and their families dearly, sending Australian industries and
Australian jobs overseas. It is flawed and won’t have a measurable impact on
CO2 levels or global temperature.
“As Chris from Roma in Queensland says, it is ‘Unnecessary and impotent’
“That’s why even before the petition is launched we have almost 1,000
signatures.”
Dr Marohasy said there were clear themes that emerged from comments left on
the petition, and rather than speak for the signatories, they should speak for
themselves.
Decimate the economy
“This is an unnecessary cost to the Australian taxpayer and will cost jobs and
will make no difference at all to the world’s climate.” Kenneth, Pambula Beach,
NSW
Can’t go it alone
“What is the point of signing onto a scheme when the biggest emitters on Earth
are not. We will ruin our economy and employment for zero gain.” Paul, Dallas,
Victoria.
Complicated financial engineering
“This scheme has failed overseas and will only ensure future debt to our
descendents. It has created an industry which now feeds on this to survive, an
industry that produces nothing of value, except to those employed by it.”
Christine, West Coburg, Victoria.
February 25th 2009
Hasn’t worked anywhere else
“Emissions trading is sheer madness –easily manipulated – that hasn’t worked
anywhere to lower CO2 emissions. It isn’t necessary and would destroy our
economy and enviable lifestyle.” Valerie, Portland, Victoria.
Can’t work without alternate energy sources
“Invest in technologies, do not tax in the hope that something will happen.”
Brian, Para Vista, South Australia
Takes resources away from more pressing problems
“I am extremely worried about environmental problems of our country; imagine if
we spent all the money allocated to greenhouse gas reduction on real
environmental problems we could make a REAL difference.” Ben, Dubbo, New
South Wales
Rests on shaky science
“We should not be carried away by a well meaning but possibly flawed theory on
a guilt trip to save the planet.” Joan, Toowong, Queensland.
The last word
“Bad policy and bad science do not cancel out, you know.” David, Petersham,
New South Wales.
- ENDS –
Dr Jennifer Marohasy can be contacted on 0418 873 222
Media Contact: Max Rheese 0428 621 320 info@aefweb.info
The ListenToUs online petition can be found here ListenToUs petition
The Australian Environment Foundation (AEF) is a not-for-profit, membership-based
environment organisation having no political affiliation. The AEF is a different kind of
environment group, caring for both Australia & Australians. Many of our members are
practical environmentalists – people who actively use and also care for the environment.
We accept that environmental protection and sustainable resource use are generally
NEWS 
