Australian Labor Party

John McNally

John McNally is the ALP candidate for Hawthorn.

He describes his occupation as “working to address skills shortages in the building industry”.

He told local paper, Progress Leader, that three key electoral issues were: working towards a fair and just society, a clean sustainable environment and access to quality healthcare. He cited the ALP’s Climate Act as one of the reasons voters should vote for the ALP. He said he made a conscious effort to minimise his footprint.

The Brumby Government has legislated a target of 20 per cent emissions cut by 2020 based on 2000 levels. It has promised to phase out 25 % of the emissions from Australia’s dirtiest coal-fired power station Hazelwood  in the next term and to achieve 5% solar energy by 2020 on top of  the federal government’s 2020 renewable energy target of 20%. But tt has also provided $50 million to a new coal/gas-fired power station -  the HRL Dual-gas proposal which is still being  considered by the EPA and which is  being fought by environmental groups.

Martin Foley

Martin Foley is the Labor candidate for Albert Park in the 2010 Victorian State Election.

Please check back in a few days for an analysis of Martin’s position and policies on climate change.

Bronwyn Pike

Bronwyn Pike is the Labor candidate for Melbourne in the 2010 Victorian State Election.

Please check back in a few days for an analysis of this candidate’s position and policies on climate change.

Richard Wynne

Richard Wynne is the sitting member for the seat of Richmond. He is from the Labor Party. This is a brief report on what he said at the climate change candidates forum on 22 October in Clifton Hill:

Richard began by outlining the importance of tackling the climate crisis, and his commitment to this task. He then described current Labor policy. This policy includes a legislated cut in greenhouse gas emissions of 20% by 2020 on 2000 levels (already passed through parliament), a commitment to phase out 25% of Hazelwood within the next term of government and a 5% solar energy target by 2020 on top of the federal 20% by 2020 renewable energy target.

While to a lay-person these policies may give the impression that the Labor Party is finally taking the climate crisis seriously, these policies are nowhere near sufficient to avoid catastrophic climate change – and if the whole world, or if all developed countries copied Labor’s policies, then we would still be facing runaway climate change with all its horrific impacts. It is crucial that the public judges a party’s climate policies within the context of the climate science.

There was also very little detail as to how the 20% emissions reductions would be achieved, with what appeared to be a heavy reliance on federal government action.

What Richard Wynne also failed to mention, is that the Brumby Government has committed $50 million of our money towards a new coal/gas-fired power station – the HRL Dual-gas proposal. According to a staffer from the Energy Minister’s office, it is this new fossil fuel power station that will replace 25% of Hazelwood, thereby cancelling out the emissions saved.

Fiona Richardson

Fiona Richardson is the Labor Candidate for Northcote in the 2010 Victorian State Election.

To find out about Fiona Richardson’s stance on climate change come to the Darebin Climate Action Now Candidates Q&A on Monday 8th November  from 7pm-9pm Northcote Town Hall – 189 High St.   Snacks are from 6:30pm!

Please check back in a few days for an analysis of this candidate’s position and policies on climate change.

Jane Garrett

Jane Garrett is the Labor candidate for Brunswick in the 2010 Victorian State Election.

Please check back in a few days for an analysis of Jane’s position and policies on climate change.