I thought as one come to the end of the year and every draws up there big moment of 2008 lists I might look ahead to next year with what I know and try to pre-empt five of the government announcements and political movements 2011 State of the Environment Committee due January 2009. Who is on the committee is very likely to direct its priorities.
1. Look for some money for scientific research in Antarctic. Yes, yes, I know it was in the Hollowmen episode but it has been suggested to me by a well sourced person that some money will be heading south for climate research.
2. The independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (which governs Environment Minister Peter Garrett’s power of review on big protects) which was meant to report back in 2010, will deliver its recommendations by the end of next year.
3. The Senate debate over the Emissions Trading Scheme will be the longest and most detailed since the GST. The coalition will push an amendment for a 2012 start-up-date but will not seek to block the ETS overall. The burning question is, will the Nationals cross the floor and split with the Liberals. Will the Greens vote against the bill? The ruminations coming deep from within both parties is yes.
4. The Federal Government could walk away from a nuclear waster dump in the Northern Territory and will definitely repeal the laws giving the power to do so. I have no inside information into what will be done (they have to act before 2012 when spent rods from Lucas Heights returns from overseas were they have been refined) but there is a strain of thought that suggests the Federal Government will make a deal with the WA state government for a dump location.
5. Certainly keep your eye on submission for members of the State of the Environment 2011 Committee, which are due January 2009. The members of the committee will certainly set the direction for its report.
