Greens Leader Christine Milne talks with Walter Williams on 2UE, 4BC and radio stations along the east coast about Liberal and Labor combining to deny the Parliament a debate on sending more troops to Iraq, leaving it to Tony Abbott to make another captain's call.

Liberal and Labor combined today to deny the Parliament a debate on sending more troops to Iraq, leaving it to Tony Abbott to make another captain's call, said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"Prime Minister Abbott has made another ill-advised captain's call, deploying more Australian troops to Iraq without reference to the Australian Parliament or the Australian people," said Senator Milne.

"Mr Abbott backs himself with a row of flags, but he doesn't have enough respect for the community to seek the backing of their elected representatives.

The Australian Greens are calling on the Coalition to stop bickering and vote for clearer food labelling.

"The Country of Origin food labelling Bill that is currently before Parliament is the result of years of consultation with the industry. It deserves this government's support," said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"This issue has cross-party support. Why would Barnaby Joyce deliberately reject the help of others who have a long-standing commitment to it?

Under questioning by Greens Senator Rachel Siewert, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed berries being imported to Australia are not being subjected to any extra safety checks, in spite of contaminated products sparking an outbreak of Hepatitis A.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Dr Paul Grimes has told a Senate Estimates hearing this morning, "We have not made changes on surveillance rates broadly at this stage."

Senator Siewert has described that as a completely ludicrous failure.

Greens Leader Christine Milne says changes to the Foreign Investment Review Board are a step in the right direction, but there's a long way to go if Australia is serious about protecting our food future.

"It's critical we make sure that Australia's agricultural land and water are seen as key national assets not to be sold off recklessly," said Senator Milne.

The Liberals, Nationals and Labor have voted down a Greens' motion calling on the NSW state government to extend national park protection for the Gardens of Stone in the Greater Blue Mountains.
NSW Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon said "Labor, the Liberals and the Nationals have sided with coal companies and the Baird government in refusing to support the growing call for an expansion of national park protection for the Gardens of Stone.