Released tonight by Federal Treasurer, Scott Morrison, the 2017 Budget has no credible measures to battle global warming and fails to address the serious issue of corporate tax avoidance by the country’s largest polluters.
“At a time when companies like Chevron have been revealed to pay zero tax this government continues to put the interests of the fossil fuel industry ahead of the Australian people,” Greenpeace campaigner Nikola Casule said.
“It’s time for our leaders to look to the future and invest in renewable energy solutions instead of propping up yesterday’s industries in risky and polluting fossil fuel ventures.
“Despite the age of coal coming to a close Turnbull ministers continue to talk up Adani’s Carmichael mega-mine.
“If we’re to address climate change and stop disasters like the recent mass coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef we need to stop burning the coal we have now. Not dig up more.
“While the government cuts $2.8 billion from universities and continue to drastically reduce foreign aid it is still considering giving $1 billion to the Carmichael coal mine - a disastrous project that threatens the Great Barrier Reef.”
For interviews contact:
Simon Black
Greenpeace Senior Media Campaigner
0418 219 086 / simon.black@greenpeace.org