Australian election – your call on Carbon – Cabinet meets in a few hours to decide

“Federal cabinet has agreed to a climate-change policy based on a series of measures — including a commitment to set an interim carbon price…to reduce carbon emissions over the next two years.” – Australian Financial Review, 15 July 2010

Dear tony,

Julia Gillard has called an election before announcing her climate policy, but the Australian Financial Review (AFR) is reporting an extraordinary outcome from last week’s Cabinet meeting: a commitment to set an interim carbon price and reduce carbon emissions over the next two years.

That would be a historic victory, if it were true. Although ‘ministerial sources’ are quoted, this hasn’t been confirmed or announced. This report has all the hallmarks of a trial balloon–a leak politicians use to gauge the public reaction before committing to a position.

So as Cabinet meets again today, let’s give them a very big reaction–of overwhelming support. They say you catch more flies with honey, so let’s pour it on! Can you call the Labor candidate in your crucial marginal seat and express your support for a climate plan that includes charging big polluters for their carbon pollution?

Yes I can call
No I can’t

So often we contact our politicians to criticise or complain. Imagine how it will feel when your Labor candidate picks up the phone and is met with your support for their possible policy announcement of putting a price on carbon within the next term of office.

They won’t want to disappoint you. Your phone call can be really simple. All we’re asking you to do is to ask your local candidate to call their colleagues in Cabinet, including Julia Gillard and their branch of the ALP, to confirm if the AFR report is true and to tell party leaders about all the positive responses they’ve received–and all the votes it will mean in their marginal seat if the Government commits to a price on carbon within their next term.

I can call

Now is the most powerful time to influence the Labor Party’s decision to deliver a robust policy to reduce our rising carbon pollution and you live in one of the most powerful places to do it. In your area there’s a chance that either side of politics will win. That means your vote really matters!

The election has been announced and Cabinet is meeting today. Can you help us get a price on carbon pollution by calling your local Labor candidate and telling them there are votes in strong climate action?

Yes I can call
No I can’t

With your help, Labor party leaders will be flooded with calls from their marginal seat candidates across the country–showing overwhelming support for strong climate leadership, if only Julia Gillard would show it.

Help turn yesterday’s headline into tomorrow’s reality by making the call.

Thank you for standing with us on climate,
The GetUp Team

PS – The two major commitments announced in the AFR article are strikingly similar to the two asks in the latest climate TV ad funded by GetUp members. It means they’re listening to what we say. So, pick up the phone and drive the message home, so they follow through with the announcement we’ve been waiting to here.

Australian Greens challenge Coles over cheap tobacco: Greens: Action to stop cheap cigarette imports

Greens: Action to stop cheap cigarette imports

The Australian Greens today said they would move amendments to set a floor price on cigarettes to stop Coles and any other retailers flooding the Australian markets with cheap and harmful products.

"Coles’ action in bringing in cheaper cigarettes is irresponsible," said Senator Siewert, Australian Green health spokesperson today.

"The cigarette tax was increased in an effort to reduce the terrible health toll that smoking has in Australia. Importing cheaper cigarettes into Australia undermines the impact of these public health measures"

"Several months ago Coles was chastised by the Senate for selling cheap alcohol in Alice Springs, undermining community efforts to address excessive alcohol consumption," Senator Siewert said.

"I have to question Coles’ commitment to responsible retailing."

"The Greens have long been advocates to a minimum drink price for alcohol and the same approach should be applied to cigarettes" concluded Senator Siewert.

Media contact: Peter Stahel
www.greensmps.org.au