John McInerney’s change of climate

However, he took advice from the experts, and the advice was that he had little chance of winning. John seems to be more concerned about raising important issues than winning a seat. If he had run in Heffron he would have concentrated on affordable housing in Redfern and Waterloo and the excessive powers of the planning minister. He also mentioned the changes to the NSW licensing laws which meant that, if a hotel had its poker machine license transferred, that would lead to the loss of its liquor license. John argued that this is what led to the closing of the old Redfern Hotel in George Street, Redfern.

One of the issues that he has always been concerned about is the environment and, of course, climate change, so he’s joined the Climate Change Coalition for the NSW upper house. “This is where John’s insights and contributions will be invaluable,” said Patrice Newell, the Leader of the Climate Change Coalition. Mr McInerney said he wants to see the people of New South Wales have political leaders who are focused on dealing with climate change in every level of government. “I am delighted to be running in the March 24 election as a Climate Change Coalition candidate. Climate change is impacting on every area of our lives and it’s critical that we have MPs in the New South Wales Parliament who are focused on good public policy in this area,” he said.

“As a Sydney City Councillor for the past three years, I have had the opportunity to look at how we must build climate change solutions into the way we plan and construct our open spaces.”

Ms Newell concluded, “Having John McInerney in the New South Wales Parliament will mean that governments and policy makers will be forced to focus on the planning aspects of climate change.”

The Climate Change Coalition was formed to work with any group, organisation, political party or individual taking action against climate change. www.climatechangecoalition.com.au

Source: South Sydney Herald March 2007