Mood:
specialTopic: aust govt
The delightful news that Andrew Bartlett is committing to run for The Greens in a lower house seat in Brisbane, Qld, as former Democrats Senator, is a stark reminder of the lack of independence from the ALP of some senior environmental figures. A previous reminder was Clive Hamilton nominating with the Greens in ex Costello seat of Higgins by-election.
These public figures expose the hopeless lack of independence of 'team player' Peter Garrett as ALP Minister for Environment. And the fact the ALP are champions at pimping the environment - witness their coal policy dependence while spruiking a weak cap and trade regime.
Another, less well understood pro ALP figure, is Jeff Angel as director of the Total Environment Centre and favoured appointee to numerous NSW government committees. Angel is the brains behind the infamous and cynical Lake Cowal Environmental Trust Fund. The LCETF is cover for the cyanide gold mine at the same location which has destroyed an ephemeral lake and water bird habitat in wet years.
Angel was in the news again yesterday complimenting the NSW ALP indeed excellent decision to support a gross feed in tariff for solar panels. Trouble is those who have struggled mightily for such an outcome were not quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald.
People like the solar energy activist academics Mark Diesendorf at UNSW, Dr Muriel Watt of UNSW or even Stuart White at UTS and no doubt others. But the lazy SMH goes with dial a quote Angel. He knows alot but he's undeserving, and undermines other environment groups for his own profile, and government access, and not just in our direct experience.
A story no doubt untold in Angel's alleged 'Insider account' published by the ABC. If we ever get the time we will read and deconstruct that for what it really is, probably with some choice primary documents over the same period. His book no doubt is an attempt to portray his legacy as he gets closer to retirement from his pro ALP perch.
The irony is surely that rough head Angel doesn't comprehend he is hardly the best presentation for the burgeoning NSW green movement in looks or voice but still wants that front man role. He's all chess, no charisma.
We know the ALP are anxious what to do once their man is gone from Sydney's TEC as the acceptable (ineffective?) face of the NSW green movement dependent on govt grants. Here's a hint - it's called Opposition.
