Fed: Campbell readies himself for Garrett shadow

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2006
Fed: Campbell readies himself for Garrett shadow

CANBERRA, Dec 6 AAP - Environment Minister Ian Campbell says Peter Garrett will need
to get away from slogans and develop some policies, should the former rock star take over
the environment portfolio in Labor's frontbench reshuffle tomorrow.

Senator Campbell said: "I haven't met Mr Garrett yet but he strikes me, from the speeches
that I've heard him give, to be an intelligent character.

"I think the problem for Mr Garrett, if you have to address climate change and issues
like the River Murray seriously.

"With the River Murray, for example, Mr Garrett and (former Labor leader) Mark Latham
said they were going to deliver 1,500 gigalitres to save the mighty Murray.

"The challenge to (journalists) is to say to Mr Garrett if he does get the nod for
the environment portfolio - and I wish him well in that - where is the 1,500gl coming
from?

"Who are you taking it from and how much are you going to pay for it?"

Senator Campbell recalled that Mr Garret had called for a debate about nuclear power
in a speech to the Sydney Institute.

"(Mr Garrett) was heavied by the ALP factions very rapidly and told 'no, you've got
to stop that'," he said.

"So I think he knows in his mind that we should be talking about nuclear power.

"There is a challenge to the Labor Party, for whoever is their environment spokesman.

"If you're serious about climate change you can't ignore nuclear power."

On his own future after a mooted reshuffle by Prime Minister John Howard, Senator Campbell
sounded confident.

"I'm here for the long haul," he said.

"I've been representing Western Australia for 17 years and I enjoy doing that.

"I look forward to serving for many, many years to come."

AAP dep/sb/imc/bwl

KEYWORD: LABOR CAMPBELL

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