The cleaner fuels bill passed today in Federal Parliament is a reminder of what can be achieved by members of a Government, rather than carping independents with no capacity to deliver, Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, said today.The Energy Grants (Cleaner Fuels) Scheme Bill 2003 will provide for an 8 year excise-free period for producers of biofuels to get their plants up and running. The excise-free arrangements will apply to the manufacture and importation of ethanol, biodiesel, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) and methanol.

“It’s been a battle to get this bill up but it’s a classic example of a Coalition partnership working perfectly to deliver an outcome that will stimulate a new clean, green industry,” Senator Boswell said.

“It was a combined National/Liberal effort that delivered this bill with The Nationals Leader John Anderson leading the charge - a huge victory for the sugar and grains industries, including Gunnedah and Cowra.

“We were able to get this bill through with the support of the Democrats and I commend them for their contribution.

“Independents Tony Windsor and Bob Katter, on the other hand, were not included in the debate and had absolutely nothing to do with this result,” Senator Boswell said. “It once again proves that Independents are as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike.

“On the outer of the political field, independents have no ability to influence policy, negotiate or deliver tangible results. All they can do is criticise from the sidelines.

“In fact, The Nationals could have done with extra numbers in the Party Room on this bill.

“The sooner Kennedy and New England return to The Nationals, the sooner they can have their own voice heard around the Government table where the important decisions are made.”

ENDS

Media contact – Leah Nicoll 02 6277 3244