Loss of Debus a loss for the Environment - 30 October 2006

NSW politics in general, and the treatment of environmental issues in particular, will be all the poorer for the impending loss of Bob Debus, said NSW Upper House Greens MP and Environment spokesperson Ian Cohen.

“Whilst we have had some differences of opinion over the many years that he has been Environment Minister, Bob Debus and I have always maintained a respectful and mature political dialogue,” Mr Cohen said.

“He resignation severs the last ministerial link with the Wran era, a time when environmental issues came to the forefront. The ministers he leaves behind place much less emphasis on the environment in both a philosophical and electoral context.

“Unlike most of his colleagues, Bob Debus understands the importance of biodiversity and greenhouse issues.

“He is a civilised and cultured man, and his electoral successes and intellectual rigour are better suited to bringing down the Federal Coalition rather than dealing with the political situation in Macquarie Street, where the barbarians are well inside the gates.” Mr Cohen said.



Further Information: Michael Hidden 9230 3305 or 0431 320 085