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What the leaders say …
MEDIA RELEASE
30/4/2009
TASMANIAN GIFT HAMPER FOR PM IN GREEN COLLAR PUSH
Leaders from diverse sectors of the Tasmanian community have today presented Australia’s Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, with a hamper of magnificent Tasmanian produce, books and other ethically produced gifts, at the COAG meeting in Hobart. This group of like-minded individuals have appealed to the PM to ensure Australia has a sustainable “green collar” future.
“Tasmania has so much potential to be a leader in the transition to sustainable and healthy communities. This hamper of fine foods, wine, books and ethically produced gifts is a simple example of the sort of things that we can offer if we get things right,” said Marion Nicklason, “The contributors of gifts to the hamper look forward to the response from the Prime Minister and his family.”
“In this financial crisis, the economic stimulus package needs to be targeted towards the types of investments that will protect Australians against the converging crises of climate change and peak oil,” said Peter Boyer, from the climate project, “Now is the time to be rolling out the biggest ever investment in public transport, renewables and other measures that can have a transformative impact on Australia’s economy,”
Transition
Every community across Australia has the knowledge to assist with the transition to life beyond the current challenges. 1000’s of community members are experienced in backyard sustainability. “Green collar” specialists can assist with producing renewable energy, clean sustainable transport, ethical investments, responsible economic management, ensuring healthy animal husbandry, sustainable fishery industry, retrofitting and designing of green buildings, improving waste/resource management, responsible use of water resources, research and development of innovative ideas and the transition to truly sustainable big business, agriculture, health care and forestry.
As a society, we have the ability to embrace these options and all contribute to creating a sustainable future. This will be challenging, but we must be heartened that we have the knowledge to create a “green collar” future. Focusing the Australian economy on developing the “green collar” jobs is going to be part of the solution. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his team at COAG have a responsibility to ensure that Australia achieves this transition.
Peter Boyer Climate Change
Margaret Steadman Sustainable Living Tasmania
Dr Phil Pullinger Environment Tasmania
Corey Peterson Sustainability Promoter
Marion Nicklason Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy
Vica Bailey The Wilderness Society
