News

Erin Brockovich launches Environmental Justice Society in Brisbane

The President of The LEAD Group, Elizabeth O’Brien, and Isla MacGregor, of the Toxic and Heavy Metals Taskforce, Tasmania (THMTT), were among guests at the launch in Brisbane on February 11, of the Environmental Justice Society (EJS). The new society was launched by environmental crusader and human rights activist, Erin Brockovich.

The EJS is the creation of environmentally-conscious experts from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia, The University of Queensland, Doctors for the Environment (DEA), Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) and Shine Lawyers. The EJS has been created to help people who are concerned about protecting the Australian environment, and the prevention and management of pollution.

"This country is at the beginning of a period of huge growth that will continue for decades to come, and it’s all driven by the resources in the ground," said Ms Brockovich at the launch.

"The EJS will act as a guardian of people’s rights to a safe and healthy environment, and is aiming to help preserve Australia’s pristine beaches, waterways, rainforests and wilderness for generations to come." (Quotes from EJS news release.)

See : www.environmentaljustice.com.au

NHMRC rejects LEAD Group’s policy proposals on Blood Lead Levels for Australians

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has rejected The LEAD Group’s suggestions on blood lead surveys, our recommendation of a more stringent goal for Australia than the current below 10 µg/dL, and a suite of public health strategies designed to lower Australians’ blood lead levels.

We submitted our ‘Model Policy’ on lead to the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Nicola Roxon, who then passed it to Professor John McCallum, Executive Director, Health Evidence and Advice Branch, of NHMRC. See the article NHMRC rejects LEAD Group’s proposals.