Plans for fossil fuel-led recovery are outright dangerous

Sydney, 29 July, 2020​: The Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility​ (ACCR) remains deeply critical of a report to the Government proposing a fossil fuel-led recovery.

Commenting on the leaked report from the (formerly) National Covid-19 Coordination Commission Manufacturing Taskforce, as reported by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, Dan Gocher, Director of Climate & Environment at the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR) said:

“Plans for a fossil fuel-led recovery from the Covid-19 crisis continue to ignore the scientific reality of global warming. We must rapidly reduce emissions, not prop up failing industries that only exacerbate the problem.

“That a supposedly ‘free market’ Coalition government would offer government-backed loans, tax incentives and underwrite excess gas supply is hypocritical beyond belief.

“The NCCC Manufacturing Taskforce, stacked with oil and gas executives, has recommended a future that personally benefits them and their shareholders, to the detriment of the rest of us and the planet. It’s brazen self-interest, cronyism and a disgrace.

“In early March, Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher was lobbying backbenchers to support his company’s expansion plans. Then EnergyAustralia CEO Catherine Tanna and APA director James Fazzino —both with explicit Narrabri interests —were appointed to the Manufacturing Taskforce. Is it any wonder that the Taskforce supports the Narrabri gas project and subsiding new gas pipelines across the country?

“In April, more than 40% of Santos' shareholders called on the company to clean up its lobbying. Yet here we are again, with Santos lobbying harder than ever for gas expansion. Santos directors will be on the hook at the company’s next AGM for defying shareholder demands.”

ENDS