“The Prime Minister’s decision to abandon climate change as a standalone department, together with her decision to appoint climate change sceptic and former Woodside executive Gary Gray to the energy and resource portfolios, shows the Gillard Government is in retreat on addressing global warming and is one step closer to Tony Abbott’s policy of abolishing the department all together.” Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne said.
“Labor has now given the green light to fossil fuels while the need to address climate change goes from orange to red.
“This was the opportunity to elevate climate change to a whole of government strategic approach making sure departments as diverse as defence, energy, agriculture, trade, regional development, science and research are formulating consistent policy with a world on track to 4-6 degrees of warming.
“In 2010 Labor abandoned climate change and was dragged back to it by the Greens.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates why it is critical the Greens retain Adam Bandt in Melbourne and hold the balance of power in the Senate to ensure future governments take climate change seriously.”
Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne
