The Tasmanian Greens today warned that the Abbott Government’s decision to scrap funding to the Environmental Defenders Office would erode community rights, and place an increased burden on the legal system.
Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP today called for the Federal Government to reinstate the funding, and called on Tasmanian Liberal Leader Will Hodgman to also lobby his federal counterparts.
“This is a fundamental attack on the ability of ordinary Tasmanians to defend their lifestyle and their communities from inappropriate development,” Ms O’Connor said.
“The EDO is a one stop shop for advice on a myriad of planning and appeal law, providing reliable legal advice to community groups, local government and small businesses.”
“An important part of the role of the EDO is providing advice to litigants on whether they even have reasonable grounds for a case.”
“There is a real risk now that we will start to see councils, the EPA and tribunals bogged down with unmeritorious or vexatious appeals and complaints.”
“The EDO has been funded for almost 20 years by the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department, and was continued even under the Howard Government.”
“This is the next step in the Federal government’s systematic dismantling of environmental protection and access to democracy across Australia.”
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Environment Spokesperson
