"As food production declines, diseases start to spread, clean water is scarce, and people move in large numbers seeking new opportunities and resources. Of course, there is an increased risk of non-state terrorism and traditional war,"

Address by Peter Garrett AM to National Press Club
Peter Garrett


National Environment Test: How do our politicians score?

I'd like to begin by acknowledging we are meeting on Ngunnawal land and offer respects to the elders and traditional owners.

Late last year millions of Australians sat the National IQ te st; last night on TV and at home millions sat the National Drivers test. These tests have captured the imagination of many so we want to extend the testing to our leaders on the subject of the environment-a subject whose time is now.

I can clearly state that as a nation we're failing ourselves and our kids on care for the environment. Know that we can and must do better, I want to look at what needs to be done and how our political leaders rate on the national environment test

It's not only a test of whether their policies will turn around the damage to our fragile land. It's also a test of how well they are listening to Australians who are speaking up for a cleaner, smarter and greener future.

On this last score ACF judges that both major parties might be slowly waking up to how deep the environmental concern is within mainstream Australia. At the same time we believe they remain well short of the action required.

This slow awakening is showing up in our research, which I'll share with you later, and in other polling too. Judging by the recent statements of both parties, we think its starting to show up in their research as well.

Primarily ACF believes Australia needs a bold package of sustainability reforms to not only protect and repair this battered ancient land, but also generate jobs and a healthy economy.

We reckon there are five key tests for a sustainable Australia. And we need to pass them all if we are to protect our natural heritage and develop an Australian economy & a society free from environmental damage for the generations that follow.

The five tests are:
1. Show national leadership - by a commitment to sustainability reforms which matches the commitment to competition reforms of the last decade. Prime amongst these is a Council of Australian Governments backed Sustainability Council with funding and powers akin to the National Competition Council. And additionally showing national leadership, means being held accountable to real and substantial environmental outcomes.
2. Cut greenhouse pollution - not only by ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, but through a package of measures including higher renewable energy targets, revenue neutral emissions trading and a bold attack on our grossly inefficient use of energy.
3. Repair our land and rivers - repair rivers like the Murray with more water flowing down it and turn around the loss of our bushland by ending land clearing. Only then will we stop the curse of salinity poisoning our environment, farms and towns.
4. Protect great natural areas - the Great Barrier Reef, Cape York and the great old growth forests of Tasmania are national treasures future generations won't enjoy unless strong protections are put in place now
5. Support sustainable living - give greater support for Australians wanting to take action to help the environment by, for example, going solar or adding rainwater tanks.

And there can be no sustainable living if Australia is still caught in the toxic nuclear cycle - building new nuclear reactors and creating very long lived radioactive waste.

Today I'm launching a "National Agenda for a Sustainable Australia." which details the damage being done to our ecological infrastructure, Australia's international performance and the policies needed if we are to turn around environmental damage. We're drawing a line in the sand as to what Australians should expect of their governments when it comes to taking adequate care of this country.