The Greens’ Shane Rattenbury is concerned that we are without an Commissioner for the Environment as of tomorrow:
The ACT Greens today learnt that the Government has done nothing to replace acting Commissioner for the Environment, Bob Neil, whose contract expires today.
Commencing in September 2011, Mr Neil, formerly of the EPA, was appointed to a 6 month acting position, replacing outgoing Commissioner Maxine Cooper. As of this morning, there were no plans for his replacement.
“This is yet another example of the Government placing the protection of the ACT’s environment on the back-burner,” said ACT Greens Environment Spokesperson Shane Rattenbury, MLA.
“In his short time as Commissioner, Mr Neil has achieved a great deal, including an investigation into the health of the ACT’s Lakes and the second stage of a major investigation into the state of the Canberra Nature Park.”
During a phone conversation with Mr Neil this morning, the Greens were disappointed to discover that Mr Neil had not been notified of his employment status. When questioned, the Minister’s office advised the Greens that the matter was being reviewed today.
“This should not have been left to the last minute. Mr Neil, Canberrans and the environment deserve better. Due to this tardiness, the ACT could be without a Commissioner tomorrow.
UPDATE 01/03/12 10:19: The ABC now reports the issue has been kicked down the road to June.