NSW: Goward takes swipe at "little girl" Firth

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2008
NSW: Goward takes swipe at "little girl" Firth

By Nick Ralston, State Political Reporter

SYDNEY, April 10 AAP - NSW opposition frontbencher Pru Goward has taken a swipe at
her counterpart Verity Firth, likening her to a "little girl" who would be easily intimidated
in cabinet.

Ms Goward, the former federal sex discrimination commissioner and current opposition
spokeswoman for women, climate change and the environment, criticised some of the climate
change grants Ms Firth awarded to big business.

She said the money would be better spent on smaller businesses who are showing innovative
ways to save water and reduce carbon emissions.

Ms Goward said Ms Firth, whose ministerial portfolio includes climate change and the
environment, did not have the capacity to stand up to Treasurer Michael Costa, who is
a well-known climate change sceptic.

"I am sure she is being intimidated in the cabinet," Ms Goward told AAP.

"They would just be saying: 'Shut up, Verity, run away and make your announcements
and don't bother us'.

"That's a cruel quote, but you can see it in the room. Pat her on the head, 'off you
go little girl, go and announce your little policies but just don't get in the way'."

Ms Goward's comments come after Ms Firth earlier this week announced $11.7 million
in grants to businesses to help them implement environmentally friendly changes.

The sum included $1 million to Bunnings hardware for upgrading lighting in stores around
Sydney, and $444,000 to Kelloggs in Botany to upgrade equipment.

Ms Goward said big businesses like Bunnings and Kelloggs didn't need government assistance
and would be more than willing to make these green changes themselves.

She said there were much better ways to spend the money but Ms Firth didn't have the
political experience to stand up to Mr Costa to bring about real change.

"She doesn't want to upset anybody, she doesn't want to make a difference because she
hasn't got the support of cabinet," Ms Goward said.

She has also criticised Premier Morris Iemma, saying he must show leadership and demand
an agreed position within cabinet on climate change.

Ms Firth rejected Ms Goward's views, saying her comments were disappointing for a former
federal sex discrimination commissioner and the opposition spokeswoman for women.

"Her remarks make it more difficult to encourage young women to aspire for senior roles
in public and corporate life," Ms Firth said.

"I'm happy to be judged on my performance - I'm not interested in engaging in personal attacks."

AAP nr/hn/it/cdh

KEYWORD: GRANTS GOWARD

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