The Gillard Government failed to answer questions from the Greens today on the impacts of coal dust on people’s health in communities like the Hunter Valley.
“Coal dust has alarming impact on people’s health and it’s a disgrace that Minister Ludwig representing the Minister for Health had no brief on this issue.” Senator Milne said today
“A report on the Health and Social Harms of Coal Mining in Local Communities released yesterday revealed that rates of lung cancer, asthma and other diseases are tragically higher in communities near coal mines, rail lines and power stations, and children had higher levels of heavy metals in their blood and increased respiratory symptoms.”
“The Government was unable to respond to these alarming facts, despite the fact that similar information was presented to COAG in 2010. COAG was told 2 years ago that if particulate matter from coal mines was better regulated, some $4.5 million worth of health costs could be avoided, and 1200 lives could be prolonged.
“I call on the community to start pressuring Health Minister Plibersek to deliver a full-scale study on the health impact of coal mining, and adequate monitoring and enforcement of maximum particulates and buffer zones for the people living in coal communities.
“People’s health is too important to ignore, and I hope the Government responds as a matter of urgency to this health crisis.
Please follow link for audio file of Senator Milne’s question to Minister Ludwig.
http://greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/government-floundering-health-impacts-coal
Senator Christine Milne, Greens Leader
