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MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING MP,
TO THE BAKKSIA ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION AWARDS 1992,
MELBOURNE, ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, 5 JUNE 1992
welcome to this gathering on world Environment Day.
Today we might reflect on any number of environmental
issues. In 1992 the most important task is perhaps less one of
recognising the challenge than arriving at an effective
way of meeting it.
To do that we need to overcome the sort of polarisation
which too often debilitates the debate.
No doubt there have been faults on all sides, but the
first principle is protection.
It is no longer acceptable to cast those who believe in
ecologically sustainable development and environmental
protection as spoilers opposed to everything, and
without viable alternatives.
Sustainable development La a viable alternative it may
well be a viable imperative.
Those who are charged with being_ anti-joqbs, because they
want strict controls on pollution,_ greenhouse ga! s
emissions, production aiid disposal of-waste material, or
certain development proposals controls, might well reply
that they are In fayntir of a higher standard of living.
It is simply not a matter of jobs versus environment.
We do not need to lower our environmental standards to
get greater economic grow Lh.
As business is discovering, the environment is an
economic growth area.
It is not a case of our being unable to afford to protect
the environment. Rather, we cannot afford to degrade it.
This World Environment Day is an appropriate time to
remind ourselves that our huge environmental losses in
Australia have been economic losses, with economic costs.
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For the benefit of this generation and those to come, we
have to develop a new sense of common national purpose, a
new willingness to work cooperatively towards national
goals and national solutions.
There is no greater goal than developing a now
relationship with the environment.
That, I think should be the message on this World
Environment Day -that, and our congratulations to the
winners of the Banksia Awards.
Thank you.