Critical Times

The Australian Greens say they have taken over from the Democrats as the third major force in Australian politics.

The Greens met in Adelaide today for their last national conference before the federal election.

Party leader Bob Brown says a third of the Democrat vote has gone to the Greens.

“The Democrats are sitting on 2 per cent. That vote’s been largely distributed. It went back mainly to the big parties, some came across to the Greens,” he said.

“What’s happening with us is that we’re taking votes off the big parties – roughly a 70/30 ratio Labor and Liberal. Some of the Democrats votes are coming to us.”

Climate change

Earlier today Senator said the Greens will head into the next federal election with climate change as their main issue.

National leader Bob Brown says renewable energy will be at the forefront of the campaign.

He says the Federal Government has failed to protect Australia against global warming.

“This century is going to be about environmental technology – not IT, it’s ET. And Australia has a scientific basis for renewable energy and energy efficiency to lead the world.

“One problem – it’s being starved of funds by the Howard Government.”

Senator Brown believes no state can ignore climate change.

“South Australia is being hit and will be hit by climate change as much as any part of Australia,” he said.