Speaking at the National Press Club today, Greens leader Christine Milne had red hot go at our governing elites over protecting miners. From BS:
Greens leader Christine Milne says the Gillard government has “effectively walked away” from its agreements with the Greens, as she accused both the government and the coalition of prioritising the interests of the mining industry above those of the Australian public.
“What has become manifestly clear is that Labor, by its actions, has walked away from its agreement with the Greens, into the arms of the big miners…By choosing the big miners the Labor government is no longer honouring our agreement to work together to promote transparent and accountable government, the public interest or to address climate change,” she said.
Milne did not spare the Opposition on the same front:
Ms Milne said the government was setting up a paradigm which placed the mining industry versus the community, and the coalition was also “lining up” to protect the interests of the mining giants.
Answering questions after her address, Ms Milne said an Abbott government would be a “disaster” for Australia, adding that in that scenario the Greens would be essential in staving off “the extremes” of the coalition’s power.
Milne also declared the power-sharing deal with Labor dead but reassured all that the Greens would support the government to the election.
The speech is not yet available but I will post it when it is.
