Politics of Climate Change in NSW

Date: 24 June 2008

Climate change is now accepted as a real and imminent threat. The findings of the Garnaut Report and the introduction of emissions trading will require wide ranging changes in practice and attitude to the environment, including a vision that extends beyond the electoral cycle.

Modern governments face competing and increasing demands and a shrinking tax base. Many have accused governments of not doing enough to address climate change. What can they do? What must they do, and what must they avoid? Is government better suited to take on the risk of advancing energy and environmental innovation, to advocate and regulate private enterprise innovation, or something else?

Guest Speakers

• Verity Firth MP NSW Minister for Climate Change and the Environment

• Tony Maher National President, CFMEU

• Greg Bourne CEO, WWF

. Where: Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Road, Glebe.

Cost: Non-Fabians $10/$7. Members are free - please show your membership card to obtain free entry.

Contact: Bookings essential - Gleebooks website - Book online at http://www.gleebooks.com.au or on 9660 2333.

Media queries please contact Simon O'Hara, Secretary, NSW Fabians on 0400 188815 or at simon_o_hara@hotmail.com

Verity Firth Prior to her election to NSW Parliament in 2007, Verity worked as a lawyer for Slater & Gordon, where she practised in asbestos litigation, workers compensation and industrial law. She has been a councillor on the City of Sydney Council since March 2004, where she has also served as Deputy Mayor.

After becoming the state's lead Environment Minister in early 2008, the portfolio was restructured to provide a greater emphasis on assisting businesses and the community response to climate change.

Verity has overseen the introduction of legislative changes in NSW mandating greater noise and air pollution measures, and has advanced issues including waste, container deposit legislation and product stewardship at a Commonwealth level. Her other special interests within the portfolio include the promotion of cycling and environmental education.

Tony Maher Tony is currently the National President of the CFMEU Mining and Energy Division. He has been an official of the Union for over 20 years.

Tony has held a variety of positions within the union, including Industrial Officer, National Organiser, Assistant General Secretary, General Vice President and Senior General Vice President.

Tony has chief responsibility for the political and industrial affairs of the union. This includes directing the industrial campaigns of the union on wages and conditions (participating directly, where required, in negotiations with major companies) and supervising all liaison with Governments, employer organisations, Non-Government Organisations and other unions.

Greg Bourne Greg Bourne is the CEO of WWF Australia.

Greg Bourne studied chemistry at the University of Western Australia under a scholarship from BP refinery. After graduating with honours in 1971, he carried out research into refinery processes for two years at BP's Research Centre in Sunbury in England before joining BP exploration as drilling engineer in Abu Dhabi.

Seconded to the Prime Minister's policy unit at 10 Downing Street in 1988, he was the Special Adviser on Energy and Transport, and returned to BP in January to take up the position of Chief Executive, BP Marine, London.

Greg has held many senior positions with BP and retired in 2003 from the position of Regional President - BP Australasia and in 2004 took up the position of CEO of WWF- Australia.

For further information

Contact:	Simon O'Hara
Union:	NSW Fabians
Contact Mobile:	0400 188815
Email:	simon_o_hara@hotmail.com
WWW:	http://www.fabian.org.au/

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