Media Releases

Milne to NFF Congress: Let's grasp this opportunity to drive agenda

Media Release | Spokesperson Christine Milne
Monday 6th September 2010, 2:02pm
in

Addressing the National Farmers' Federation Congress today, Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, urged farmers to seize this tremendous opportunity to shape their own future instead of adapting to changes forced onto them.

The Greens and rural independents who will share the balance of power in the new parliament also share elements of a positive vision for rural and regional Australia.

"What a great opportunity that our parliament is getting a renewed focus on rural and regional Australia just as the vital issues of climate change, peak oil and food security are triggering a global rethink," Senator Milne said.

Greens conservation plan targets mammal extinctions

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Friday 3rd September 2010, 1:59pm
in

The Australian Greens say growing concerns about the long term survival of mammal species in Northern Australia highlights the need for a new approach to conservation and protection.


Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens spokesperson for Natural Resource Management says the Greens Northern Australia Mammal Protection Plan, launched during the 2010 election campaign, can play an integral role in mammal conservation.

Greens rock solid on Marriage Equality

Media Release | Spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young
Thursday 2nd September 2010, 3:26pm
in

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says her party's commitment to marriage equality is rock-solid, reaffirming her pledge to re-introduce the Marriage Equality Bill on the first day of the new Parliament.


The Greens Spokesperson on Sexuality and Gender Identity said it was clear throughout the election campaign that there was genuine community
consensus to have the discrimination espoused in the Marriage Act removed.


Greens secure ALP agreement on Indigenous constitutional recognition

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Wednesday 1st September 2010, 12:28pm
in

A referendum on the recognition of Australia's first nations in the Australian Constitution will happen within the next three years or at the next federal election if the ALP forms Government – thanks to an agreement negotiated by the Australian Greens.

Australian Greens, Labor commit to agreement for stable Government

Media Release | Spokesperson Scott Ludlam, Sarah Hanson-Young, Rachel Siewert, Christine Milne, Bob Brown
Wednesday 1st September 2010, 10:53am
in

The Australian Greens and the Labor Party have signed an agreement to ensure stability for Labor in Government. The Greens will ensure supply and oppose any motion of no confidence in the Government from other parties or MPs.

Labor will work with the Greens to deliver improved transparency and integrity to Parliament and pursue policies that promote the national interest and address climate change.

As part of the agreement there will be regular meetings between the Prime Minister and Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown and newly-elected Lower House MP Adam Bandt.

"There will be a Climate Change Committee resourced as a Cabinet Committee, an investment in dental health care in the next budget and completion of a $20 million study into High Speed Rail by July 2011," said Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown.

UN report damns Australia’s failure to end discrimination

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Tuesday 31st August 2010, 2:11pm
in

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has delivered a damning report on Australia's failure to meet international commitments on eliminating discrimination.

Brown says $20m forest package will help wreck forests

Media Release | Spokesperson Bob Brown
Monday 30th August 2010, 5:54pm
in

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown says the Minister for Forestry, Tony Burke, is favouring loggers over dairy farmers and other struggling Tasmanian businesses with his $20 million taxpayer funded package.

Fresh potato imports must be banned

Media Release | Spokesperson Christine Milne
Friday 27th August 2010, 1:01pm
in

Tasmania cannot take any risks with its potato and tomato industries and must become seriously engaged to prevent New Zealand potatoes being brought to Tasmania for processing, Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Christine Milne said today.

"I have contacted the Rural and Regional Committee of the Senate and had this issue put on the agenda to deal with as soon as the parliament resumes post election.

"The evidence to date demonstrates there are no circumstances which can protect Tasmania other than a complete ban on the import of fresh potatoes from New Zealand.

ACT's 40% emissions target shows potential of Greens in power-sharing govts

Media Release | Spokesperson Christine Milne
Thursday 26th August 2010, 12:56pm
in

The Australian Greens today welcomed the announcement by the ACT government that it will legislate to reduce emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2020 - one of the most ambitious emissions targets of any jurisdiction in the world.

This target is the result of the highly successful parliamentary agreement between the Greens and the minority Labor government and bodes well for serious action on climate change and renewable energy in the new Commonwealth parliament.

"The ACT's 40% target, with tremendous support for energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean transport, points the way for the rest of Australia to follow," Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.

"A 40% target has implications that will reverberate around the country and beyond.

Milne says thank-you for record Tasmanian Green vote

Media Release | Spokesperson Christine Milne
Sunday 22nd August 2010, 1:31pm
in

In the biggest vote for a third party since the Second World War, The Greens will return to federal parliament with eight and possibly nine senators and the House of Representatives seat of Melbourne, Australian Greens Deputy Leader Christine Milne said today.

"We have achieved balance of power in the Senate and will use that power responsibly for good and progressive outcomes for the people of Australia.

"Regardless of which party forms government, we will work with them using the huge experience we have with balance of power politics.