3.1.5- Political movements from environmental awareness
This section looks at the new 'green' political movements and emerging environmental policies of the established political parties, particularly those that stemmed from the rise of environmental activism through the 1980's
- Political parties, such as the United Tasmania Group, came into existence as a direct result of the environmentalists campaigning to save Lake Pedder. While they were unsuccessful as a political party, they were able to apply pressure on the Tasmanian government to act on environmental issues.
- The proposal to dam the Franklin river saw the formation of the Tasmanian Wilderness Society (as looked at in 3.1.4). Dr. Bob Brown, who was a key figure through this campaign, was elected to the Tasmanian Parliament as an independent in 1983 and later formed the Green Independent- later becoming the Tasmanian Greens and then the Australian Greens.
The Australian Greens continue to force mainstream government parties to focus on and address environmental issues within society. - Some other examples of political movements and environmental policy developing as a result of environmental issues include:
- Nuclear Disarmament Party - political party concerned over expanding uranium mining in Australia and its use in nuclear power and weapons.
- The Land Control Council (now known as the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council) - Victorian government department that was formed to provide independent advice over the use of public land.
- The Australian Conservation Foundation - developed as a group that focused on lobbying the politicians in major parties in order to influence decisions made about the environment.
Learning Task:
These tasks constitute the work requirement for this topic. Both of the tasks outlined below are to be completed in digital format (ie: Word.doc) and submitted via Compass.
Part A
Select one of the following groups:
- United Tasmania Group (UTG) - Bob Brown and the Independent Greens in Tasmania - the Nuclear Disarmament Party (NDP)
Outline the development of this group, including:
Part B
Research the development of the Land Control Council (LCC) and Environment Control Council (ECC) in Victoria.
These tasks constitute the work requirement for this topic. Both of the tasks outlined below are to be completed in digital format (ie: Word.doc) and submitted via Compass.
Part A
Select one of the following groups:
- United Tasmania Group (UTG) - Bob Brown and the Independent Greens in Tasmania - the Nuclear Disarmament Party (NDP)
Outline the development of this group, including:
- - date of formation
- key issues that lead to formation
- significant people involved (if applicable) - Describe one environmental policy that this group played a role in.
- Evaluate the influence of the policy (described above) in changing relationships with outdoor environments.
Part B
Research the development of the Land Control Council (LCC) and Environment Control Council (ECC) in Victoria.
- Analyse the development of this independent adviser and explain the role they play regarding the Victorian environment.
- Investigate and outline the role the LCC played in helping to change relationships with the Australian Alps.