ENVIRONMENT FUNDING SLASHED
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said today that the decision by the Rudd Labor Government to slash environmental funding in this year’s budget did not reflect their huff and puff and pre-election commitments towards the environment.
“The environment has been the biggest loser in this budget, with the Rudd Labor Government more committed to transferring taxpayers dollars to their mates in the debt-ridden Labor State Governments than to saving the environment,” Mr Ruddock said.
“Additionally the Rudd Labor Government’s budget cuts the great Landcare programme by 20 per cent and there is no commitment to any future funding..
“The Rudd Labor Government has not funded Environmental Stewardship, the Howard Government’s $50 million programme that helped land owners to repair the environment and protect biodiversity.
“The Rudd Labor Government has also slashed funding to the catchment management bodies which are to deliver their Caring for our Country programmes. This 40 per cent cut has already seen staff sacked across Australia.
“The Rudd Labor Government has cut the Community Water Grants programme, the Green Vouchers in Schools scheme and further restricted household access to photovoltaic rebates. This will make it even harder for our community to deal with climate change.
“Weed invasion is the biggest threat to our biodiversity, choking our native flora which affects the northern part of my electorate in the Dural area. The Rudd Labor Government has chosen to fund weed research but there is nothing in the budget to actually kill weeds.
“The Labor Party promised Australians a serious commitment to the environment, at least as serious as the commitment made by the Howard Government,” Philip Ruddock said.