MPs choose gas guzzlers

The Federal Government is proving to be full of hot air when it comes to slashing greenhouse gases. Just two out of 20 Cabinet ministers choosing fuel-efficient "hybrid" cars.

Despite insisting Australia must reduce carbon emissions, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Climate Change Minister Greg Combet are among scores of Labor MPs driving gas-guzzlers.

And former PM Kevin Rudd's campaign to roll out the eco-friendly Toyota Prius as part of the Commonwealth car fleet has also been dumped - with just one such vehicle still operating. An investigation has revealed just seven out of 104 Labor MPs are choosing hybrid vehicles, such as the 2.4-litre Toyota Camry.

The Greens yesterday labelled the revelations "disappointing" and called on the Government to improve the supply of eco-friendly machines. The revelations come at a sensitive time for the Government, struggling to win support for a carbon tax- due in July next year.

The politician's love of gas guzzlers was first reported in December last year - and nothing has changed.

Documents released under FoI show Ms Gillard and most senior ministers are driving thirstier Fords, Toyotas and Holdens, even though they pump out three times the level of carbon emissions.

The Coalition is even less eco-sensitive, with only one Liberal MP - shadow climate change Minister Greg Hunt - driving a Toyota hybrid. These vehicles use a combination of electric/petrol engines and are far more fuel efficient.

Mr Rudd made a fuss of choosing a Prius when he became opposition leader before the 2007 election. But the Foreign Minister is now one of just four MPs and senators in Parliament to drive the Prius, which has an 8.5 rating on the Government's "Vehicle Green Guide" website.

The Prime Minister has chosen the 3.6-litre Holden Calais VE sedan, which has a 5.5 rating and chews up nearly three times as much fuel.

Environment Minister Tony Burke drives a Ford Territory. Mr Combet has also chosen the Holden Calais as his vehicle, along with Regional Minister Simon Crean and Defence Minister Stephen Smith, whose electorate of Perth covers a small area.

Even Peter Garrett, the Education Minister and one-time eco-warrior, drives a 3.6-litre Holden Commodore although his vehicle is a "dual fuel" engine which also takes a more eco-friendly fuel.