29 February 2012 - Environment
Minister Tony Burke today welcomed the passage
through the House of Representatives of
legislation aimed at strengthening environmental
protection and tourist safety in Antarctica.
The Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection)
Amendment Bill 2011 was introduced into
the Parliament on 23 November 2011, and
seeks to implement three measures agreed
to by nations under the Antarctic Treaty
and the Madrid Protocol.
Australia is a world leader in Antarctic
protection and research and these amendments
continue our commitment to protect the last
pristine continent on earth. The Bill would:
Improve the safety and self-sufficiency
of tourism and other non-governmental activities
carried on in the Antarctic;
Improve responses to environmental emergencies
arising in the Antarctic;
Establish a liability regime for environmental
emergencies that occur in the Antarctic;
and
Implement new offences and civil penalties
applicable to tourist vessels operating
in the Antarctic.
Mr Burke said the amendments would ensure
safer and more environmentally sound regulation
of operators on the fragile continent.
"This year we commemorate 100 years
of Australian Antarctic Expeditions,"
Mr Burke said.
"The passage of this Bill reaffirms
Australia's commitment to the protection
of and effective governance of the Antarctic
continent, which began 100 years ago when
Douglas Mawson first set foot at Commonwealth
Bay.
"Australia has continued to take a
leading role in its protection, including
the landmark decision 20 years ago when
former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke
joined forces with former French Prime Minister
Michel Rocard to prevent mining of Antarctica.
"These changes will mean that we are
better able to ensure operators respond
to environmental emergencies and to regulate
the way tourists and tourist operators interact
with Antarctica.
"Further, we will be able to take action
against those who fail to comply with the
environmental or safety regulations.
"The Bill will involve introduction
of a liability regime for environmental
emergencies caused by operators in the Antarctic.
"The Antarctic Treaty was adopted 50
years ago and today it remains a global
model for cooperation. The Bill will now
be transmitted to the Senate for consideration."
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Gillard Government supports
a sustainable Australia
29 February 2012 - The
Gillard Government is investing in volunteer
organisations that work to protect the environment,
preserve our heritage and manage our natural
resources more sustainably.
Sustainability and Environment
Minister, Tony Burke today announced that
163 community organisations will receive
funding as part of the Grants to Voluntary
Environment, Sustainability and Heritage
Organisations (GVESHO) program.
“Volunteers and community
groups do an incredible amount of work in
conserving our environment and creating
a more sustainable Australia,” Mr Burke
said.
“These grants help cover
the administration, training and operating
costs of an organisation so volunteers can
focus their efforts on creating a more sustainable
Australia.
“This program has been
running for many years and I was pleased
to see a diverse range of applicants.
Today’s announcement
not only sees funding for new applicants
and initiatives but provides continued support
for organisations who successfully reapplied
for grants to further their work.”
Successful organisations
range from state-wide operations covering
vast areas to groups dedicated to public
education and small community groups working
to protect heritage icons.
“I congratulate all
the grant recipients and thank them for
working together to create a more sustainable
Australia,” Mr Burke said.
“I look forward to seeing
the results of your hard work and hearing
about how your projects are progressing.”
Every application was
assessed independently by department officials
in accordance with publicly available guidelines.
More information on
the Grants to Voluntary Environment, Sustainability
and Heritage Organisations program, including
a full list of funded projects, is available
at www.environment.gov.au/about/programs/gvesho/index.html.
