Global Climate Change Action

13 June 2010

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown says that Labor has only itself to blame for getting into bed with the Liberals over climate change.

"It was serious misjudgement. And it is no good Labor waking up the morning after being done over by the Liberals and accusing the uninvolved Greens of "purity"," Senator Brown said.

"The fact is Prime Minister Rudd has refused to talk with me or fellow Greens over climate change or anything else, since April 2009.

"Labor ought to have taken up the Greens proposal for a carbon tax. It is not too late to do it - We would welcome negotiations.

"A 72% majority of Australians want the government to negotiate with the Greens in the Senate for climate action."

Results of a national Galaxy Research telephone poll of 1,100 respondents taken in April show that 72% of Australians are in favour of the government working with the Greens, independents and other senators to introduce a levy that will ensure the biggest polluters pay for climate pollution.

Only 20% were opposed to the government negotiating with the Greens.

Senator Brown was responding to criticisms on morning television today by Labor Ministers Anthony Albanese and Lindsay Tanner.

Media contact: Erin Farley 0438 376 082