Senate debates

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Motions

United Nations Environment Programme

3:49 pm

Photo of Mitch FifieldMitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The government continues to support UNEP and is making a contribution; however, as we fix Labor's budget mess we are reprioritising our spending and instead are investing in practical action for coral reef protection within our region and combating illegal logging of the great rainforests of the Asia-Pacific. That totals $12 million. Australia is playing its part in an effective international response to climate change through direct action, including our $2.5 billion Emissions Reduction Fund, international engagement and our aid program. The Australian government is contributing $93 million to the Global Environment Facility. The Global Environment Facility will contribute to sustainable economic growth, which is critical to raising living standards in poor communities dependent on the natural environment.

Comments

Charlie Schroeder
Posted on 4 Dec 2014 11:15 am

That's very much giving overtly and removing covertly.

More has been removed and what has been removed is more important than what has been given.

A common ploy of government.

We need some of the Australian environment watchdogs that have been removed or emasculated back with full powers.

Reef protection should make any idea of coal ports near it a definite non-starter. However, because of the liberal and destructive Liberal party policies on environment, every company and organisation thinks that Australia will bend or break any environmental safeguard of the past. So they apply to get permission to do some seriously suspect things.