Other Issues

8 November 2001

Territory voters urged to 'vote environment'

The Environment Centre NT is urging voters to consider environmental issues at the ballots this weekend. The call follows the release of a report card prepared by Australian environment groups on the four major political parties' environmental policies.

During the election campaign the groups have been closely monitoring the parties on their policies, commitments and performance to date, and have made their assessments accordingly. The 'green vote' could be critical in determining the outcome of the election.

The groups found that across the major environmental challenges facing Australia, the Greens scored A+'s , the Democrats A's and B's, Labor mainly B's and the Coalition mainly D's.

Parties were graded from A to D and further details on how the rankings were determined are available at www.acfonline.org.au/election2001

Environment Centre NT Coordinator Kirsten Blair said today: "This election is an important one for the NT environment. Voters have some clear choices to make on Saturday. Do they want Jabiluka to proceed or not? Do they want Australia to join the international community and limit greenhouse gas emissions or not? Do they want Federal controls on landclearing or not?"

The groups stressed that the report cards were an assessment against the comprehensive and positive vision for Australia provided by them to all political parties prior to the election. The groups noted that preference negotiations are a matter for political parties.

"We urge voters to vote for the future and to support candidates committed to environmental protection".

To see full party analysis click here

For further information:
Australian Conservation Foundation:
Don Henry 0418 501 395 or
John Connor 0409 935 044
Greenpeace: Peter Mullens, 0412 188 278
The Wilderness Society: Alec Marr 0417 229 670
Conservation councils: Kathy Ridge, 0438 899774
Email: ecnt@octa4.net.au

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