FORMER Member of Parliament and recent Independent candidate for the seat of Cowper, Rob Oakeshott, has started his three-year quest for election in earnest.
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Mr Oakeshott has just held a meeting with a team of volunteers in Bellingen and he said hot on the agenda is the implications of rising sea waters and associated costs of climate change.
“Team #Oakey4Cowper had its first meeting for #ausvotes 2019 … the case for change in Cowper gets stronger every news cycle,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“There’s plenty of issues on the table … one being climate change.
"I do United Nations work with the Pacific Island parliaments and the constant feedback I receive is bemusement at the current state of politics in Australia.
“We flip and flop on climate change policy when places like Fiji are now moving around 30 villages, houses and schools due to the direct consequences of global inaction.
“Australia’s indulgent debate is a direct threat to our neighbours, and this is why I have decided to stay active in public life, because I do think this is one example of where global challenges are best fixed by local action.
“People like the current Cowper MP Luke Hartsuyker aren’t taking the necessary steps to address climate policy … this is an issue that is directly responsible for harming our poorer, less powerful neighbours.
“I find such an approach uncaring and patronising, and I strongly believe our local region, and our country can do better.”
Mr Oakeshott said the 226 Australian MPs and senators must lead by listening closely to the world’s science community and take long-lasting action to address climate change.
“All at the indulgence of those stuck in a debate focused more on power and money than logic and evidence,” he said.
“In the past decade, we have taken 10 steps forward on climate change, and then nine steps back. For the greatest moral, economic, and social challenge of our time, we should all expect more from our leadership.”