Greens support ACTU workplace rules push, will introduce key legislation to tackle insecurity and work/life balance

Greens employment spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today gave in principle support to Sally McManus’ call to ‘change the rules’ to protect working people from insecure work, stagnant wages and the erosion of fundamental rights.

The Greens have condemned the wilful and deliberate destruction of our native forests by the Turnbull government, following revelations today of documents that show there are legal questions hanging over the government’s policy to extend existing logging laws under Australia’s ten Commonwealth-state Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs).

Tuesday, 20 March 2018

Australian Greens Digital Rights spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John has called for Privacy Act exemptions for political parties and members of parliament to be removed in the interest of Australian democracy.

Senator Steele-John said all political parties must be open, honest and transparent about the data they were using, or paying to access, and in particular about any links with Cambridge Analytica.

Monday, 19 March 2018

Australian Greens Digital Rights spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John has expressed alarm about the ‘Trumpification’ of Australian elections, following revelations today about the extent of data harvesting carried out by Cambridge Analytica and its potential influence on the Trump and Brexit campaigns.

Senator Steele-John said there were significant questions to be answered about where and how the data used in these campaigns was obtained, and whether it was legal to do so.

Labor has reaffirmed its support for coal by backing mining companies getting taxpayer handouts.

Today Queensland Greens Senator and spokesperson for mining and resources, Andrew Bartlett moved to amend a bill before the Senate so it blocks small thermal coal exploration operations for receiving taxpayer handouts.

Both Labor and the Coalition voted down the amendment.

New investors in small mineral exploration, including for thermal coal can now claim tax offsets.

The Greens have repeated their calls on the federal government to show leadership in ensuring all Australians have the freedom to ride safely, following the release of a Bicycle Network report that shows virtually no improvement in cyclist fatality rates over 20 years.

“Every bike rider death is one too many, and an annual average of 37 people killed while out riding is a sobering figure,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens transport spokesperson.