Flannery urges climate change action.


The Australian of the Year, scientist Tim Flannery, says the Prime Minister's water plan means little unless governments take urgent action on the bigger issue of climate change.
Professor Flannery received the nation's top honour in Canberra last night, on the same day Prime Minister John Howard announced his $10 billion water package.
Professor Flannery says the nation's lack of water is a symptom of a much larger problem.
"We need to shepherd our water resources very carefully to get through this crisis and the Prime Minister announced a program that I think will go a long way towards doing that," he said.
"But unless we address the overarching issue of climate change, that will be for nought, so we need to address climate change in order to build us that longer-term security."
Professor Flannery has warned he will not hesitate to criticise the Government if he does not agree with its policy.
"Part of the reason people thought I was worthy of this was that they're really concerned about climate change and they want something done about it," he said.
Indigenous youth leader
The Young Australian of the Year Award went to Indigenous youth leader Tania Major.
The 25-year-old says she will use the honour to promote a greater awareness of the issues affecting young people.
"It's just so unbelievable, it's a massive opportunity to be able to use this special award, being Young Australian of the Year," she said.
"To get out there and talk about youth issues - particularly education for Indigenous young people."
Mentor recognised
The Senior Australian of the Year is former speedway champion Phillip Herreen who was confined to a wheelchair after a crash 14 years ago.
He has been recognised for his mentoring of car crash victims and has backed plans by the New South Wales Government to place limits on P-plate drivers.
"They really don't understand the consequences and the impact on not just themselves, but the people that they've got with them and what it does to families," he said.
"It really does have a major impact on families."
In other developments:
The Australian of the Year, Tim Flannery, says he will use the opportunity to try to do something about global warming. (Full Story)
Federal bureaucrats, scientists and a prominent business woman have been award