Shadow environment minister Penny Sharpe explains how to get politicians to listen to you. Video uplifted by Ignite Sydney.
The NSW Nature Conservation Council (NCC) has welcomed the appointment of Penny Sharpe as the shadow minister for the planning, the environment and heritage in its ALP front bench line-up.
‘It is very encouraging that Labor Leader Luke Foley has appointed one of his most experienced MPs to the crucial planning and environment portfolio,’ NCC CEO Kate Smolski said.
‘We are hopeful that Ms Sharpe’s appointment is a signal that planning and the environment will continue to be a priority for Labor over the next four years.
‘These portfolios offer the Opposition plenty of opportunities to stand out by demonstrating vision and leadership on issues that affect people in their local neighborhoods.
‘The ALP engaged more constructively with environmental issues during this year’s election campaign than it had done for many years, which reflected the concerns of the electorate.
‘Under leader Luke Foley, the ALP pledged to ban coal seam gas in some parts of the state, including the Pilliga, and to place a moratorium in other areas until the industry is proven to be safe.
‘Labor has also promised to create a Sydney Marine Park and to greatly expand the state’s national parks system, include declaring a Great Koala National Park on the North Coast.
‘However, the ALP still has not articulated an adequate policy response to the threats coal mining poses to communities and the environment across NSW. Labor has also not developed a strategy for transitioning from native forest logging to an ecologically sustainable plantation system.
‘We look forward to working with Ms Sharpe on achieving these important reforms.
‘The election result showed clearly that the environment is a top-level concern for many voters, and they expect the government to do more to protect nature in NSW.
‘Protection of water resources, forests, and wildlife played a prominent part, with all the major parties responding to broad community concerns.
‘We stand ready to work with all parties and MPs who are interested in protecting the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the places we love.’
