MEDIA RELEASE - 23 November 2017

Senator Rhiannon congratulates Streets workers and the AMWU

Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon has given her deep congratulations to the workers at the Streets ice cream factory and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) for winning their campaign against a 46 per cent pay cut and slashing of conditions.

Shock news on Sunday that the ‘red zone’, officially recognised as affected by PFAS contamination from RAAF Base Williamtown, has been modified re-inforces the urgent need for investigation of buy-back options for local residents.

Local residents were doornocked and told at a meeting, called at very short notice, to confirm that many more properties are now affected.

Robyn Williams, from Port Stephens Greens said, “This news will be the last straw for many residents who have suspected for some time that they may not have been told the full story.

MEDIA RELEASE - 10 November 2017

HMAS Albatross PFOS contamination - call for mandatory blood testing for all military personnel and base workers.

All military personnel, staff and base workers who may have been exposed to toxic firefighting foams should be provided with blood tests, Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon said today.

“The Defence Department should offer free blood tests to all military personnel and base workers associated with HMAS Albatross, along HMAS Creswell and the Jervis Bay Range Facility,” Senator Rhiannon said.

Australian Greens Leader, Dr Richard Di Natale, has commended former Senators Larissa Waters and Scott Ludlam for their integrity following today’s High Court ruling on MPs citizenship.

“Larissa and Scott have acted honestly and with full accountability to the Australian people throughout this process.”

“When these issues first came to light, they did the honourable thing and resigned from the parliament. Larissa and Scott have shown respect for the constitution, for the parliament and most importantly, for the Australian people, and I respect them immensely for that.

Australian Greens Leader, Dr Richard Di Natale has welcomed the announcement of Dr Samantha Ratnam as the new leader of the Victorian Greens. Samantha was announced as leader in Melbourne today, with Nina Springle selected as her deputy.

“Samantha is an outstanding community leader and has committed so much of her time to helping make our nation better,” Senator Di Natale said.

Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon is calling on the Turnbull government to immediately pay full and fair compensation to all Williamtown residents whose properties have been contaminated following the admission by the Defence Department that they covered up the toxic scandal for three years before informing the locals.

“Williamtown residents have been put through hell for nearly three years because of the failure of the Turnbull government to pay compensation and to stop the chemical contamination coming off the RAAF base,” Senator Rhiannon said.

I would like to congratulate my dear friend and colleague Senator Rachel Siewert for winning the prestigious Missen Award for integrity in politics.

Rachel has been an outstanding advocate and member of parliament, who has dedicated her time as a Senator to assisting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community.

It is pretty well known in Parliament House across party lines that Rachel is one of the hardest working Senators in this place.

As a senate committee chair she has a reputation for getting consensus on committee reports that lead to real outcomes.

It’s time for NSW councils to make history and join with the growing movement in local government that are committed to #ChangeTheDate of Australia Day.

Yarra Council unanimously voted this week on an extensive motion to no longer refer to January 26 as Australia Day, stop holding citizenship ceremonies on this date and officially support the #ChangeTheDate campaign.          

Yarra is not alone with Fremantle and Hobart councils passing similar motions, and the Australian Local Government Association passing a resolution at its National General Assembly in June to: