New environmental scorecard shows chasm between Queensland’s political parties
It's the end of the school term in Queensland politics, and time to hand out report cards. A new scorecard shows the Queensland Labor Party would significantly outperform the Queensland Liberal National Party on climate action and protecting habitat and threatened species if elected on October 26.
Queensland's peak environment body, the Queensland Conservation Council, today released a scorecard based on analysis of the key political parties' environmental policies and initiatives, finding the ALP scored a B+ while the LNP received a C for their policies on taking action on climate change and protecting nature.
The Greens topped the scorecard with an overall ranking of an A, whereas the Katters received a D; a score given when policies reverse or undermine progress.
Queensland Conservation Council Director Dave Copeman said:
The next four years will be crucial for the protection of our environment from climate impacts and habitat loss. We need to see strong action to build renewable energy, reduce emissions, protect the places we love and stop deforestation.
Our scorecard shows significant differences between the main political parties on the actions they plan to take to protect our globally unique natural environment here in Queensland.
Unfortunately we had to mark the Queensland LNP down because their environmental positions are very light on details and it’s unclear what they plan to deliver if elected.
One thing we do know is the Queensland LNP have not released an energy plan and now David Crisafulli has made comments that he’s open to keeping coal power stations open past their retirement dates.
This will raise alarm bells for the millions of Queenslanders who have been impacted by more frequent and extreme weather events that are driven by climate change.
If we fail to consider the environment in voting now, we’re risking the wildlife and way of life that make Queensland such a special place to live.
Labor has made some very significant strides in the right direction, including an Australian-leading emission reduction target, a target to double Queensland’s national parks and protected areas and a commitment to introduce an independent environmental protection agency, but continue to approve new coal mines that drive climate change.
The Greens are the only party that has policies that are aligned with the best science to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and protect our biodiversity and wildlife.