Australian Greens health spokesperson and former GP and public health specialist, Dr Richard Di Natale, said today that the Morwell coal mine fire report shows why we need a National Clean Air Act.

“The Hazelwood mine fire was a public health disaster for the people of Morwell and it should give us all cause to reflect on the way we want to generate power in this country,” said Senator Di Natale.

Victorian Greens Leader, Greg Barber, joined Australian Greens health spokesperson, Dr Richard Di Natale, this morning in Melbourne to call for the Morwell fire to be declared a state of emergency.

“The first responsibility of a government is to protect its people and that is not happening in Morwell,” said Mr Barber.

“The Napthine Government must cut through the bureaucratic infighting and take action to protect people. Lives are at risk.

“A state of emergency must be declared under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act. We cannot afford to fiddle while Rome burns.”