Such studies should investigate the combined effect of agricultural chemicals with other urban pollutants. According to the National Environment Protection Council Committee Paper on Ambient Air Quality, the effects of the criteria pollutants are assessed separately in the setting of ambient standards. They note that for susceptible subgroups of the population the symptoms of the criteria pollutants, that may be minor when exposed to them one substance at a time, in combination, may cause debilitating symptoms. The ' susceptible subgroup' of the population referred to, are those with environmental sensitivities. As the numbers affected actually represent a significant percentage of the population, there should be some research into environmental sensitivities as a priority.
Government takes the view that subgroups are expendable, an attitude that is unethical.
Even subgroups of the population have the right to clean air and a safe environment. While it is important for people to have jobs, there is no commitment by government to cleaner energy sources which would reduce pollution and develop new technologies. These would provide their own employment opportunities and possibly even technology we could export offshore. Our parliamentarians, those elected representatives that we pay to look after our country, our health and safety, have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of the people of Australia. This should override business interests and competition policy.