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qpsu climate heroes
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Dear Climate Hero,

Over the past few months, Australians have been in dialogue with their leaders about an effective emissions trading scheme to save our climate and protect our way of life.

During last year’s federal election, QPSU members and Australians in general said they wanted real, effective climate action.

We want our politicians to develop a scheme that:

• Reduces Australia’s carbon emissions as quickly and effectively as possible.
• Recognises our important role as a developed country with high per-capita emissions in taking the lead in any global carbon reduction effort.
• Fairly distributes the burden of shifting to a low-carbon economy by sharing it between all sectors – no exemptions, no free passes.
• Ensures that workers don’t lose out, by subsidising renewable, green energy production that will help keep costs down for families.

More specifically, QPSU members are developing a plan for Queenslanders – massive government investment in public transport, and TAFE-based retraining programs for “green collar” jobs. We are engaging constructively with state government departments to help green our economy and protect our state’s livelihood and natural beauty.

The federal government’s release of its “Green paper” (ie. options paper) on an ETS is an important step in our politicians’ acknowledging what we all realised long ago – we must start building a sustainable, low-carbon future for Australia.

Unfortunately, the Green paper as it currently stands is seriously lacking as a workable proposal. It:

• Does not introduce a proper carbon pricing scheme immediately, despite the fact that an ETS has been discussed and prepared for at least 10 years, and most industries are already prepared for its effects;
• By continuing to shield coal producers, provides no incentive for big polluters in Australia and overseas to moderate their demand for our cheap, dirty coal and search for clean alternatives;
• Gives the transport and coal energy lobbies – the same groups that are responsible for many of our climate problems – free passes that increase the costs for everyone else and greatly reduce the incentive to actually emit less carbon pollution.
• Maintains inefficient subsidies and excises that deprive the government of the money it should be using to invest in renewable energy, public transport, and green economy re-training.

We need to let our representatives know that half-measures won’t cut it. Email climate@qpsu.org.au to show that you are prepared to talk to your local MP. We will send you useful material to use when you meet them, and put you in touch with other members in your local area for support.

Email climate@qpsu.org.au now to get a lobbying kit that will provide you with everything you need to help send a message to our representatives in Canberra.

PS. Are you ready for National Tree Day? Visit http://treeday.planetark.com/ to find more about events in your local area and how you can take part.