The Tasmanian Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP today condemned the Abbott Government’s decision to cut all funding to the Environmental Defenders Office.
“Wealthy developers can afford to engage expensive lawyers to push their projects through, but grassroots community groups rely on advice from small non-profit groups like the EDO,” Ms O’Connor said.
“In Tasmania, the EDO has a strong track record of providing reliable legal advice to community groups, local government and small businesses.”
“This is about stripping communities of their voice, and restricting public input into developments that could impact on the natural environment and communities around the nation.”
“It’s regressive in the extreme and cannot be seen in isolation from the recent COAG decision to hand over environmental approval powers to state governments.”
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Environment Spokesperson
