Jobs: What Christine said

Senator CHRISTINE MILNE
Greens launch $5 million local green jobs initiatives for Tasmania

Australian Greens Senator Christine Milne is today announcing $5 million of local green jobs initiatives for Tasmania, funded as a result of successful negotiation between the Rudd Government and the Greens to secure the passage of the economic stimulus package.

The 8 Tasmanian initiatives to create over 400 jobs, many in the north-west, are part of a $360 million national package to create around 10,000 local green jobs, including $50m for emergency relief and financial counselling for people affected by unemployment, $60m for heritage projects, $40m for bike paths and $10m for bioremediation of the lower Murray.

“The Greens worked hard to ensure that the Government’s stimulus package supported the creation of local green jobs that help transform the Australian economy to a clean, green and clever future,” Senator Milne said.

“I am very pleased to be able to join with the Government in announcing these Tasmanian initiatives today that will deliver jobs and investment while cleaning up the environment.

“This is what the Greens are all about. We are about cooperating and working practically in the Senate to achieve real outcomes for the Australian community. This is a new politics that gets positive results.

The Tasmanian Local Green Jobs Initiatives include:

-Weed to Assets Commercialisation at the Mersey Natural Resource Management Group

-Waterfront Boardwalk at Burnie City Council

-George Town Waste Management Centre

-Aboriginal Heritage Management Partnership in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

“Jobs in natural resource management, construction, and Aboriginal heritage highlight the massive depth of skills and positions made possible through smart job creation and addressing the needs of Tasmanian families and the places where they live.”

“Tasmania needs jobs and the Greens are about delivering them in local communities throughout the state.”

The Greens also secured fair and equitable access to a $550m infrastructure programme for all councils in Australia, regardless of their size or location. Senator Milne said that the Greens would continue to improve Government legislation through sensible negotiations in the Senate.

“I certainly hope that the Government decides to negotiate on critical climate change legislation in as good faith as they negotiated on the stimulus package.”

Christine Milne | Australian Greens Senator for Tasmania