Former Liberal leader attacks both Australian parties on Climate Change

…The ‘Say Yes’ coalition wants the government to cut emissions by much more than the proposed 5 per cent by 2020 and make significant investments in renewable energy

Hewson takes swipe at parties over climate ABC News 6 June 11, Thousands of people turned out at rallies in support of action on carbon pollution yesterday, with former Liberal leader John Hewson attacking both sides of politics for their handling of the issue.

The ‘Say Yes’ rallies were organised in support of putting a price on carbon.

Dr Hewson, addressing a crowd of around 2,000 people outside Parliament House, said global warming was “the biggest economic, social, political and moral challenge of this century”.

The former federal opposition leader last week called on the Coalition to support a carbon price. But on Sunday he had the Labor Party in his sights too…….”We [also] need leadership to challenge the scare campaign that’s been led by one of my ex-staff members,” he said, referring to Mr Abbott.

“This issue is going to affect generations through this century so how dare they play games with the livelihoods of our grandchildren and their grandchildren.”

The former Liberal leader said he expected both major parties to continue playing “silly games” with the issue until the next election – which would probably be decided on climate change.

“Undoubtedly the negative campaign is a lot easier to run than the positive campaign and we’re not seeing much leadership on the part of the Government,” he said.

…The ‘Say Yes’ coalition wants the government to cut emissions by much more than the proposed 5 per cent by 2020 and make significant investments in renewable energy. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/06/3236095.htm?site=news