Christian Democratic Party leader, Reverend the Hon Fred Nile MLC, has repeated his call (23 March 2007 Media release) for an innovative approach to the health-threatening problem of air pollution in traffic tunnels.

"The M5 East Tunnel is clearly a health hazard, and the NSW Government’s current proposal ignores the principle that local residents deserve protection just as much as tunnel users," said Christian Democratic Party Leader Reverend Fred Nile, who was Chairman of the Cross-City Tunnel Inquiry.

Reverend Nile raised the possibility of using natural gas burners to heat exhaust stacks. "We want polluted air cleared quickly from tunnels. We want combustion of the pollutants, especially unburned fuel, to the greatest extent possible. And we want the dirty air from the tunnel heated so that it rises to a significant altitude before dissipating. Use of chimneys incorporating gas burners is a logical approach which deserves evaluation."

Reverend Nile concluded: "It is true that the Christian Democratic Party is best known for its defence of family values. But voters should be aware that the Christian Democratic Party has a track record of constructive contribution across the whole spread of policy."

The Christian Democratic Party has endorsed Pastor Paul Green to lead its NSW Senate team in the coming Federal Election.