"Climate change will soon make an ever bigger impact on our lives," said Louis Delacretaz, the Greens, Energy and Water spokesperson. "This is the biggest challenge of the 21st century, and we need Victorian politicians to not only recognise this, but to come up with sensible policies."

"The Greens have the policies that are the best for a healthy environment," said Louis Delacretaz. "That's the verdict of Victoria's environment groups, who have surveyed the major parties in this election and have come up with the score card."

"The Greens got a perfect score - 100 per cent - and are a long way ahead of the rest,' said Louis Delacretaz. "Climate change, forest protection, biodiversity, water security and healthy rivers - the Greens topped the bill in all these categories. By comparison, the ALP scored three out of nine, while the Liberals scored a very tiny half a point out of nine. The Nationals scored a total zero."

"The ALP is desperately trying to promote its environment polices, but they are fudging the figures to make themselves look good," said Louis Delacretaz. "Labor's greenhouse gas cut target is too little, and far too late. The ALP must bring its targets back to the Kyoto base-line of 1990 to be taken seriously.

"For this election policy, Labor basing its figures on a year 2000 base-line. That's a full decade difference from the Greens - and all serious environmental - 1990 base-line strategies," said Louis Delacretaz. "It makes the Labor commitment look very weak indeed."

"The Liberals are seeking the soft option; they're saying we don't need targets or legislation," said Louis Delacretaz. "But even the Business Council of Australia says both legislation, and economic signals, are required to create a change in business attitudes and operations."

"The Greens will stop logging our water catchments - the other major parties won't," said Louis Delacretaz. "Only the Greens have the long term plan for a healthy Victoria for our children and grandchildren. In State Parliament, we will push for the the hard decisions to be made. This way, Victoria can have a prosperous future, with dynamic communities and secure, long term jobs."

For more information and comment please contact:
Louis Delacretaz, on (mob) 0407 300 188, or
Dave Lane on (mob) 0419 156 213.

Attachment: * Major Parties Environment Score Card
Background: See report at : http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=1039
and details:
- Climate Change: http://www.acfonline.org.au/uploads/res_FINALClimatenotesTP.pdf
- Forests: http://www.acfonline.org.au/uploads/res_Finalforest.pdf
- Water: http://www.acfonline.org.au/uploads/res_FINALWaterDetailed.pdf