Greens ready to block NEG.

Greens climate change and energy spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said that the more detail that emerges about the NEG, the worse the framework becomes. With each new revelation, it becomes increasingly difficult to see how the NEG is anything but a policy designed to placate Tony Abbott and the fossils on the backbench, meaning the Greens may have no choice but to block legislation when it comes to Federal Parliament.

Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert has welcomed Government moves to ensure safe, quality aged care, but says more work needs to be done. 

“All sides of politics were shocked by abuses revealed in the Oakden and other scandals, it became clearer than ever that there needed to be a dramatic shake-up to ensure that older Australians were safe in aged care across the country. 

“The reforms announced today are a step in the right direction, particularly plans to establish a national independent Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. 

The Australian Greens have renewed their calls for an increase in Newstart and Youth Allowance following more evidence of the inadequacy of the payments. The latest study released today which shows family costs are significantly higher than previously thought should trigger an increase to Newstart and Youth Allowance.  

In the wake of the mass deaths of live export sheep the Greens are stepping up their call for the federal government to establish an Office of Animal Welfare independent from the Department of Agriculture.

“We must ensure animal abuse, similar to what has been exposed on the Awassi Express live export ship, never happens again. An Independent Office of Animal Welfare is needed as it could play a key role in ending the cruelty inherent in the live export trade,” Greens animal welfare spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said.

Greens Leader Dr Richard Di Natale will today announce the party’s plan to legalise cannabis for adult use. Dr Di Natale said our current approach to drugs in this country is an unmitigated disaster and that it is time for real reform.

“The war on drugs has failed. Governments around the world are realising that prohibition of cannabis causes more harm than it prevents. It’s time Australia joined them and legalised cannabis for adult use,” Dr Di Natale said.

The Queensland Greens are today cautiously welcoming of the announcement by Federal Opposition Leader, Bill Shorten, of funding for the delivery and operation of Cross River Rail.

“Public transport is a basic service, but in Queensland it’s too often expensive, slow and unreliable. In the regions it’s often non-existent, says Queensland Greens Senator and Candidate for Brisbane, Andrew Bartlett.

“This forces more people to drive, makes traffic worse, parking harder, causes more pollution, increases stress and costs us money.

The Australian Greens today expressed grave concern over the decision of the US, UK and French Governments to launch strikes against targets in Syria. Greens Leader Senator Richard Di Natale reiterated the Greens' call for the Australian Government to rethink the US alliance. 
 
“The violence and suffering in Syria is appalling, and the use of chemical weapons is an abomination," Senator Di Natale said. 

"But we don’t need a barrage of missiles. This action risks dangerous escalation in a very complex and volatile war.

Changes to family reunion visa requirements are an attack on families and a cut to Australia’s immigration levels by stealth, Greens Immigration spokesperson Nick McKim says.

“It is already too expensive and takes too long for families to be reunited through Australia’s visa system,” Senator McKim said.

“By more than doubling the financial requirements for family reunion visas, Peter Dutton is robbing families of the chance to be together unless they are very well off.”

“It is a slap in the face for migrant families, and a cut to immigration levels by stealth.”