Plea to the Senate – Consider the people affected most

Australian Mining Cities Alliance (AMCA) calls on the Senate Committee for Environment and Communications and the Senate to address a crucial flaw in the Climate Change Bill.

“We observed the passing of the Bill in the House of Representatives and in particular the amendment proposed by Dr Helen Haines MP Member for Indi, that partially addressed the need for impacts on rural and regional Australia to be considered in the Annual Statement on emissions reductions and when setting new emissions reductions targets.” said AMCA Chair Phil Barwick today.

“However, the Bill is flawed in that it only requires ‘benefits’ to rural and regional Australia to be reported.”

“What about the ‘disbenefits’ that will impact on mining communities subject to the most dramatic of economic and social change?  They must be considered.”

“There are many thousands of Australians living and working in such mining communities who believe that this Bill will in time destroy their livelihoods and their families’ futures. At the very least there should be consultation with these communities and their local government leaders to ensure their sustainability.” Mr Barwick maintained.

Deputy Chair of AMCA, Anne Baker (Mayor of Isaac Regional Council – a major coal producing region) added; “Without direct and meaningful consultation, our communities will be left fighting for their very existence under the pressure of negative social, economic, and environmental impacts resulting from end of mine life and global climate change responses”.

“That is why we ask how and when the Climate Change Authority and the Minister for Climate Change and Energy will actually consult with the mining communities that will face transformational change as a result of this bill and subsequent legislation?”, Mayor Baker continued.

“We call on our Senators and relevant Ministers and Shadow Ministers to act to ensure that the legislation properly takes into account those affected the most.” she concluded.