29 July 2023
The Federal Opposition is stunned that Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has cut $25 million to Tasmania’s Australia Antarctic Division (AAD).
Federal Shadow Environment Minister and Liberal Senator for Tasmania, Jonno Duniam, had these comments that follow Minister Plibersek’s visit to the AAD in Hobart only four weeks ago.
“These cost cuts are devastating to Antarctic science and to Tasmania.”
“Tassie has taken a direct hit from Tanya Plibersek’s and Federal Labor’s cuts. The Coalition has always supported and invested in our Antarctic science program. I am dismayed that the Labor Government haven’t followed through on their promises to match our funding.”
“It puts into question the Labor Government’s commitment to the Antarctic science program. I would not be surprised if they did not commit to the Antarctic and Science Precinct now.”
“Tanya Plibersek claimed that no government had “done more” for the environment than the Albanese Government. The broader public has again been shown that the Albanese Government is all talk and no action, through Minister Plibersek’s failure to adequately advocate for, and invest in, Tasmania and our Antarctic program.”