Progressive Labour Party - Official Policy

Environment Policy

Principle

Understanding and regenerating Australia's natural and demographic environment is a core task for the Progressive Labour Party. Modes of development both in this country and worldwide have come to expect infinite supplies of raw materials and labour and, as such, have destroyed much of the Earth's resources and its habitability. Economic activity needs to implement sustainable practices which have a positive impact on the environment. Social activity on the other hand on the other hand should benefit from interaction with the environment. Government has a key responsibility in protecting the environment while ensuring that people are able to participate in society without disadvantage.

PREAMBLE

Australia's natural environment has been altered and abused since White invasion. The vast majority of its native forests have been wiped out; sheep, cattle and grain farming methods and clear-felling have contributed to salination and destabilisation of huge quantities of arable land; bio diversity is shrinking; waterways have become prone to algal blooms destroying Australia's aquaculture; and our living environments are congested from under-resourcing and unregulated industrial pollution. Repairing the environmental damage will require a sustained effort from the whole of society.

The Progressive Labour Party is committed to developing ecological sustainability for Australian society. It is crucial that Australia generate, use, and recycle its energy supplies without destroying the natural and social environment. There are a number of alternative renewable energy sources (such as solar power) and energy efficiencies the Progressive Labour Party will promote. And while we need to make the transition to 'renewables' and protect our environment, the Progressive Labour Party will protect the livelihood of those currently employed within industries which cannot be sustained.

Progressive Labour Party policy aims to cooperate with workers to ensure that any changes to Australia's and production with respect to the environment, will not be at the expense of jobs. In fact, it has been shown that investment in energy efficiency and renewables create more jobs per investment dollar, and per unit of energy produced, than investment in new energy supply. There are many peak bodies within Australia which have expertise in environmental protection. Indigenous Australians have a fundamental role in and expertise in land usage. Progressive Labour will utilise this expertise through community consultation wherever possible. Public bodies such as the CSIRO in conjunction with Aboriginal people, should also be given more function and responsibility in protecting the environment and contributing to regulation of development.

That an investigation be undertaken to determine the sustainable limits of population Australia. Energy and the Environment. Energy resources are essential for all Australians and should be available on an equal basis. Private control and introduced competition has lead to inequalities in the provision and servicing of energy. Private control also has little regard for national and international environmental standards. It is essential that public control is exercised to meet environmental guidelines. The PLP will re-establish public control over strategic energy resources.

The Progressive Labour Party will adopt a dual strategy of promoting more efficient use of current energy supplies, while developing renewable energy sources to eventually replace fossil fuels. To do this, the Progressive Labour Party proposes a mix of direct regulation (for example, controlling monopolies) with the creation of a market in which coal, oil, and natural gas cost more than the alternatives, and in which unfair barriers to the use of those alternatives are removed. We will also ensure that the costs and benefits of this energy change are shared fairly.

FOSSIL FUELS

Fossil fuels which currently supply most of our energy are now in limited supply and will eventually not be available to us. Prices for these will inevitably rise as they have to be extracted in ever more difficult conditions. Fossil fuels are the principal cause of expected global warming and local climate change from an accelerated "greenhouse effect". They are the cause of acid rain and smog. Their handling and transportation have resulted in hundreds of devastating oil spills and thousands of deaths of workers. Governments around the world are being asked to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels in line with the Rio Convention, yet Australia continues to avoid tackling the problem. The Progressive Labour Party's Energy policy will outline methods to reduce the use of fossil fuels and provide cleaner renewable energy supplies.

NUCLEAR POWER AND THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY

Nuclear Power is not an acceptable alternative to fossil fuels. While the Progressive Labour Party recognises the current medical needs for uranium product, new non-nuclear technologies for creating medical isotopes have made Australia's Lucas Heights facility redundant. In terms of mining, Australia sells unprocessed uranium ore overseas and ultimately has no control over its actual use. Potentially, such ore could be used for nuclear weaponry. Mining has also threatened traditional ownership of land by Aboriginal Australians.

There are a number of factors which make nuclear power a poor substitute for fossil fuels. Apart from the real threat of nuclear accidents, such as Chernobyl which has claimed the lives of approximately 250,000 people since 1986, issues of waste storage, enrichment procedures, and the destruction of areas such as Kakadu, would only mean substituting one problematic energy source (fossil fuels) with another. Waste storage has special implication for Australia. Present Governments are looking to countries like Australia which have vast areas of uninhabited, arid land for storing spent nuclear fuel rods. The Progressive Labour Party sees this as a short sighted solution which will not bury the problems associated with radioactivity. Plutonium has a toxic life of some 240,000 years! Moreover, contrary to popular myth Australia is geographically not stable.

The development of the 'Cyclotron' in the United States has now made processing of medical isotopes (such as technetium 99) possible without the need for a nuclear reactor. Australia could invest in the technology or utilise the United States facilities without major cost and therefore wind down its reliance on the current facility at Lucas Heights in New South Wales. Given that the Lucas Heights reactor has now passed its use-by date and is due for mothballing, Australia is well placed to rid itself of reliance on nuclear industries. Alternatives to replace reactors will be developed with community wide consultation.

At the same time, Progressive Labour will restrict uranium mining, will not allow further exploration of Uranium deposits, and over time phase out mining which has no direct benefit to Australians. The current government has approximately 18 potential mining sites before it. Progressive Labour will close down all uranium mining. In consultation with unions, Progressive Labour will assist workers within the industry to be given proper alternative employment and compensation.

As a matter of urgency the PLP opposes the new mine site at Jabiluka, on environmental grounds, Indigenous rights and in the current context of the emerging nuclear arms race in South Asia.

DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION

Household domestic consumption can easily adopt environmentally friendly practices. Recycling schemes are already in place in some cities and towns. However, there are many areas which still do not have effective recycling programs. A complete review of domestic recycling will required to determine where it is lacking and how it can be improved. in consultation with local councils and community groups, a Progressive Labour Government will improve recycling and reduce Australia's reliance on landfill for waste disposal.

Progressive Labour will enhance and extend domestic recycling at local levels. Packaging of consumer goods is also a serious source of pollution. In development of a recycling industry, Progressive Labour will reward standards for industrial and consumer packaging which reduce reliance on non-renewable packaging. Manufacturing and Consumer affairs portfolios will monitor standards and provide advice to both manufacturers and consumers on utilising recyclable packaging materials wherever possible. Manufacturing and producers of products will be responsible for their products and any ensuing waste. For example it would be incumbent on vehicle manufacturers to allow a high proportion their product to be made of recyclable material. Printers of newspapers, books, magazines, junk-mail etc. would be required to use a certain amount of recycled paper for there printing paper. Waste from manufacturing processes would be required to be recycled wherever practicable. That is if it is a product that can be recycled.

Building codes and techniques can also benefit the environment. Housing design which considers more effective insulation, effluent recycling and water supply, natural lighting, native landscaping, localised renewable power supplies, recyclable building materials etc. will be encouraged and rewarded as best practice industry standards. Progressive Labour will consult with building groups and workers to develop effective guidelines for environment-friendly building codes. Extending the use of solar power for domestic consumption will be a priority.

TRANSPORT

The Progressive Labour Party will encourage and extend public transport options for all Australians in a bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars. Australia's reliance on private cars for transport is linked to its urban and regional planning, and any effective strategy to reduce the number of cars on Australia's roads needs to be integrated with all planning issues.

In recognising the need to eradicate fossil fuels, Progressive Labour does not wish to force those people who can't afford new car technologies to pay carbon taxes, while those who can afford new cars etc. are exempt from such taxation incentives. The Progressive Labour Transport policy will develop specific policy options in line with energy and environmental policy guidelines. Such incentives to eradicate fossil fuels could include: sales tax exemptions, registration fee free periods for people earning average weekly wage or less and carbon tax on corporate usage of such fuels.

FORESTRY AND WILDERNESS

Progressive Labour Party forestry policies are based on sound land use. They balance the multiple benefits available from careful management of the various types of forests within Australia. They take account of the principles of individual rights and ecological, economic and social responsibility. But most importantly, Progressive Labour's Forestry policy will aim to achieve accord with indigenous Australians affected by forestry practices in developing and implementing a viable industry.

A serious Forestry policy must recognise ecological sustainability as fundamental. Bio diversity in Australia's flora and fauna must be maintained and enhanced, and this can only be achieved through proper regulation of forestry practices. Indiscriminate clearing of forest, together with the introduction of exotic animal and plant species, has caused significant environmental degradation. Overseas processing of local timbers and purchasing of timber lots must also be redressed to return control of timber processing to local communities. Forestry development has a vital role to play in our future prosperity. Ambitious targets for reafforestation will be set to rebuild the natural wealth squandered by previous governments. Australia can have a viable forestry and timber industry. But it must be in public hands, and involve wide community consultation.

Meanwhile, Progressive Labour must protect wilderness areas from harvesting and overuse. This includes old growth forests, other natural pristine landscapes and designated national parks, as well as protected and sensitive marine ecosystems (eg. mangroves, estuaries, lakes, the Great Barrier Reef etc.). It is crucial that we attempt to re-use and recycle the land we have already occupied and developed, rather continue to extend development into preserved or sensitive natural ecosystems.

FORESTRY POLICY PRINCIPLES

Establish a national planning and policy framework for forestry development with day-to-day planning, monitoring and control managed at a regional and local level.

Given the vast destruction of Australia's natural forestry resources, and the reliance by many communities on timber industry for survival, any attempt to reclaim an equilibrium between conservation and a timber industry will need a commitment from all parties affected. Community input into planning and maintenance of forestry resources is crucial. Local communities whose livelihood depend solely on timber getting need to be protected from policy which would reduce timber-getting activities by alternative employment opportunities. At the same time, other community groups need to be involved in processes to ensure that a balance can be achieved which protects people's livelihoods as well as the greater needs of the country. Environmental impact reports will be required for all forestry and logging plans, including assessment of energy requirements for all timber production end use.

Regional consultation will be key in this process. Progressive Labour recognises that a consensus in forest management principles and practise can only occur through an industry-wide grass-roots consultation between all communities concerned. Ensuring that the benefits of forestry are enjoyed by the communities living close to them will be a priority for Progressive Labour. We will assist regional forest communities to develop where appropriate so that nursery work, planting, training, pruning, logging, processing and marketing can all be controlled and implemented by local people in conjunction with national goals.

Ensure that the traditional owners of the land - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians - are involved in effective management of Australia's forest and timber resources where traditional communities are affected by forestry activities. Protect, manage and enhance the remaining old growth and native forest. Most native forests, particularly those with protection value, will be maintained in a condition as close to their original state as possible and protected from all harmful agencies, including introduced browsing animals.

Wherever possible, public access to these forests for recreation, sport or harvesting of products other than timber will be encouraged, within strict controls for environmental protection and the protection of the enjoyment of other users. Retain ownership of remaining Federal and State forests and ensure replanting and regional control of new forests on the land where cutting rights have been sold.

Appropriate and fair compensation for owners and harvesters shall be made available where necessary environmental restrictions affect their legitimately held rights. Progressive Labour will also ensure that production forests essential for catchment protection and erosion control are managed with those functions as priorities.

Farm owners will also be encouraged to undertake farm-forestry and plant woodlots on agricultural land. We do not favour privately owned land going to company forestry controlled by overseas interests. We propose joint ventures between Government bodies and farmers to provide capital for fencing, preparation, planting management and harvesting. Overall, we will encourage the synthesis of farming and forestry for multiple use production, and to assist in combating salination and general erosion of Australia's pastoral and cleared land. Encourage permaculture practices. Encourage the planting of a wider range of species for timber production. We need more forests, planned to meet the needs of local, national and international markets. Ensuring the domestic availability of timber will be a national priority. Forests designated for wood production will be managed to yield a regular harvest in perpetuity.

The potential for employment in all aspects of forestry, wood technology and marketing will be recognised and integrated into Progressive Labour Party economic planning. Tax structures will be designed to allow long term planning of sustained forest management, not as disincentives to it. Clean production and reduction of waste must be practised. Alternatives to harmful timber bleaching processes must be implemented. Companies will be responsible for cleaning treatment sites and for instituting chemical recycling plant to contain waste and by-products such as dioxins etc.

Improve the quality and quantity of forestry research and education. The Progressive Labour Party aims to develop information and training in all aspects of forestry: Propagation, care and maintenance of healthy forests; regional training and research programs to develop skills in forestry management; integrating experiences of landowners, educational institutions and conservationists to improve the knowledge base of forestry for local communities. Ensuring that effective research is coordinated between the various peak agricultural, environmental and forestry peak bodies is important to maximise research opportunities.

The Progressive Labour Party will promote permaculture practices within both rural and urban areas. Information and training on effective permaculture practices will be made available through a national permaculture institute to develop agricultural modes of production which are low impact and harmonious with the natural environment, but which give high yield. Contribute to the sustainable management of the world's forests and support a global increase in all types of forest cover. Significantly increasing Australia's tree planting for harvesting will be implemented by a PLP government.

Restrict the importation and use of foreign old growth tropical forest timbers for domestic consumption, in solidarity with indigenous people's whose livelihood is being destroyed by logging by transnational corporations. Use national and international forums to set standards for controlling wanton destruction of forests.

FAUNA AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The use of animals in industry and economic production does have an environmental impact. Introduced grazing animals have demanded vast land clearing and have had a negative impact on topsoil erosion and soil salinity. Animal farming is an integral part of Australia's economy and a sustainable balance must be achieved between farming techniques and environmental pressures. Indigenous rights are also a key factor in this equation. It is also important to recognise that consideration of the environment includes a consideration of the use and abuse of animal life. Protection and use of native fauna species is a more appropriate and sustainable practice.

Progressive Labour also recognises the social and cultural value of animals in domestic environments. However, the proliferation of domestic animals through uncontrolled breeding and abandonment is unacceptable to the community and needs to be redressed. Progressive Labour also supports the move by more than 20 regional Councils in Australia who have banned circuses utilising exotic or domestic animals noting the inappropriate transport and living conditions of circus animals.

Fauna and Environment Policy Principles

Opposition to animal testing and vivisection. Encourage the use of computer simulation technology for medical training and education.

Opposition to the production of genetically manipulated livestock to produce higher yields in shorter growth cycles.

Discourage cattle feedlots and poultry batteries which contravene Animal Cruelty legislation standards and/or which contribute to topsoil erosion and land degradation. Subsidies for consumer products which adopt or utilise permaculture and 'free range' animal harvesting practices will be considered.

Enhance registration and promote desexing of domestic animals through education campaigns and veterinary subsidisation. Discourage unregistered breeding of domestic animals through education campaigns via local or regional councils. Oppose transportation of live cattle and animals in conditions which contravene Animal Cruelty standards, including opposition to circuses which transport and use 'exotic' and other animals. Opposition to whaling for any purpose. Protection of native marine fauna over commercial or industrial development in Australian waters.