New
Zealand and Australia will continue to work
together to lead the global debate on the
conservation of whales.
“By working together,
we believe Australia and New Zealand can
maximize their efforts for international
whale conservation” Federal Environment
Minister Peter Garrett and New Zealand Conservation
Minister Steve Chadwick said today.
The two Ministers met
in Melbourne where they were attending meetings
of all Australian ministers of conservation
and environment. Their discussions focussed
particularly on concerns over the continuation
of so-called ‘scientific’ whaling in the
Southern Ocean Sanctuary, and proposals
to improve the functioning of the International
Whaling Commission.
“We are not only anti-whaling;
we are pro-conservation: it is time to move
beyond the old debate about whaling quotas
and to recognise that in the 21st century
we need to discuss goals for whale conservation,”
said Mr Garrett.
The ministers agreed
that it was important to continue to seek
a diplomatic solution to the problems of
whaling in the Southern Ocean and continue
discussions on reforms commenced in London.
They also agreed that
the proposals to reform the processes of
IWC, which Australia put forward earlier
this year, need to be supported by the wider
IWC community so that they can achieve their
full effect of bringing the organisation
into line with modern standards and expectations.
“The IWC needs to become
a properly functioning, modern organisation
that recognises where the public sentiment
currently is on whales,” said Minister Chadwick.
Officials from both
countries have been asked to work together
in the lead up to the next meeting of the
IWC in June this year. The Ministers agreed
they would continue their dialogue and work
closely together at the meeting.
Media inquiries: Ben Pratt, Minister Garrett
Media inquiries: James Coyle, Minister Chadwick
+ More
GOVERNMENT ACTION TO
END DELAYS FOR SOLAR REBATE
22 April 2008 - The
Rudd Government has taken action to end
unacceptable delays experienced by homeowners
seeking to access the Federal Government's
$1,000 rebate for installing a solar hot
water service.
Environment Minister,
Peter Garrett, said today that the system
for processing rebate claims established
by the previous government meant in some
cases homeowners were waiting up to 26 weeks
to be paid their solar rebate.
“The delays being experienced
by home-owners under the previous government’s
system are unacceptable and we have taken
action to streamline and change the process
so that eligible consumers can get their
rebate money in their hands a lot quicker.”
Under the Solar Hot
Water Rebate program, $1,000 rebates are
available to help eligible Australian households
install climate-friendly domestic water
heaters in existing homes.
“People trying to do
the right thing by installing a solar hot
water system shouldn't have to wait almost
half a year to receive their government
rebate but this is exactly what has happened
under the previous government's system.
“The Rudd Labor Government
wants to make it easier – not harder - for
people to help protect the environment by
installing a solar hot water service and
get access to the Federal Government’s rebate
scheme.
“The new system we are
announcing today will provide a streamlined
application process and changes which will
allow licensed installers to verify the
installation of qualifying solar hot water
systems at the time the old electric storage
hot water system is replaced.
“This action will ensure
future applications are turned around within
the eight week timeframe originally promised
– but not delivered – by the previous government.”
Mr Garrett said extra
staff had also been engaged to clear the
backlog of current applications created
by the previous government's rebate system.
"These changes
are part of the Rudd Labor Government’s
commitment to investing in renewable energy
and dealing with the impacts of climate
change.
“The installation of
an average solar hot water system will reduce
electricity usage by around 3 mega Watt
hours per year, saving around $300 per year
in electricity costs and around 30 tonnes
of greenhouse gas emissions per household
over the lifespan of the heater,” Mr Garrett
said.
Media contact: Ben Pratt
