'Vote for tomorrow, today'

Greens launch NSW election campaign: 'Vote for tomorrow, today'

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon and Senator Bob Brown today launched their party's election campaign, putting the challenge of climate change centre stage for their vision for NSW. They announced a series of programs that will deliver for the environment and the economy, as well as open and accountable government.

Ms Rhiannon said: "The Greens election launch is our opportunity to showcase our plans for NSW – how we can meet the climate change challenge and reinvigorate democracy in this state.

"Our campaign slogan, 'vote for tomorrow, today', is resonating with voters. People are looking for real change and a real alternative.

"With more Greens in parliament we can better hold the Government and the Opposition to account and we can introduce innovative and effective solutions to the key challenges facing the community.

"We will establish a Wind and Jobs Transition fund to kick-start wind technology manufacturing industries near coal-mining dependent communities in the Illawarra and Hunter. Revenue from carbon taxes will finance retraining for coal workers and interest free loans for companies to manufacture wind farm components.

"Our Greens Roofs project will make water tanks and solar hot water systems affordable for all households.

"In the next parliament Greens MPs will introduce legislation to establish a government-run finance scheme to provide households with interest free loans to buy and install solar hot water systems and water tanks connected to the washing machine and toilet.

"Our target is rainwater tanks on half a million homes by 2015 and solar hot water systems on million roofs in NSW by 2022.

"These financing packages will enable every household to participate in slashing greenhouse gas emissions and deliver massive jobs growth.

"The Greens don't want NSW to miss out on the thousands of new jobs in renewable energy and clean, green manufacturing," Ms Rhiannon said.

Senator Brown said: "From the Hunter to Balmain and Marrickville this election campaign has put the coal industry on notice.

"We Greens helped win the argument that climate change is real. Now we are fighting for real solutions. Moving towards a clean, green and renewable future is just common sense.

"Whatever party is elected on March 24 I know the Greens MPs will keep it on its toes taking the debate on critical issues, like coal, onto the floor of the Parliament," Senator Brown said.