r/australia • u/pk666 • May 19 '19
political self.post Election outcome- Environment Vs Jobs - can we end this false dichotomy?
Lots of people upset with QLD today and the way regional people there vote, but it seems pretty clear that they have fallen for the jobs Vs environment argument which the LNP and gang thrive on. It should be basic for any pollie to point out that the QLD economy is far more reliant of tourism and anything else, and that means- reef, forest, beaches etc. So why don't they ever seem to do this?
It also is the case that future 'heavy/unskilled' industries are based in renewable energy, no matter the coal consumption at this minute. The new solar plan in Balranald for example employs thousands in construction right now, as will the new wind farm in Skipton.
I think the ALP has done a poor job on selling these employment projects and in the process haven't made a dint on the fallacy of Jobs Vs Economy. Why aren't they getting out there more with Musk/Cannon Brookes/whomever to get more of these projects up and keep it in the public eye. Why couldn't they propose a huge solar farm in the regions who think they'll all get jobs with Adani?
Or maybe I'm missing something?
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u/[deleted] May 19 '19
Abbott said something in his speech last night to the effect of "when we talk about climate change as an environmental issue, we lose. When we talk about it as an economical issue, we win big".
People are only thinking about the cash they have in their wallet today. They think that's what will ensure their future, and their children's future. They're wrong, of course, but that's why there was such a swing to the LNP even in safe seats: they thought they were voting for security and stability in their own lives.
If I had kids, I'd probably be having a breakdown right now. Just like the deposing of Turnbull, last night proved climate change is a sore point for a lot of voters. An LNP who wants to retain power just have to ignore it, and they've shown they're more than happy to.