LAST Friday, Greens Calare candidate Delanie Sky and Greens MP David Shoebridge were in Oberon to discuss with council and community members opposition to forced amalgamations and to launch the Greens' plan to strengthen local government in the regions.

"The Greens have been listening to the needs of regional councils, and we are promising to deliver fairer funding and respect the rights of local communities to control their own futures," Ms Sky said.

The Greens have expressed dismay that their Senate motion in support of Newcastle City Council's Environmentally and Socially Responsible Investment policy was voted down today by the Coalition and Labor.

Greens Senator for NSW Lee Rhiannon said: "It's a shame that federal Labor have failed to back their colleagues on Newcastle City Council in their moves to update the Council's Environmentally and Socially Responsible Investment policy.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (11:52): I congratulate Senator Janet Rice on taking over the transport portfolio, and I look forward to working with her in this area. She has set out the Greens' very clear case on the Land Transport Infrastructure Amendment Bill. I reiterate the Greens' support for Roads to Recovery and black spot funding to improve safety and access on our roads. Some of my work in the portfolio of local government crosses over into this area.

Commenting on the budget freeze to the indexation of Financial Assistance Grants for local government Australian Greens spokesperson for local government Senator Lee Rhiannon said:

"Treasurer Joe Hockey's $1 billion budget cut to local government is an assault on the important work of councils and shires across the country that are on the frontline of providing essential services and maintaining and building infrastructure.

"This decision pushes the brutal Abbott budget onto local communities and their councils.

While welcoming the final passing of the laws to set up the Referendum for constitutional recognition of local government, Greens local government spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon has accused the Coalition of running a spoiler campaign to undermine the chances of the Referendum passing.

"Last night's split in the Coalition vote shows that Abbott is a wolf in sheep's clothing on the Referendum for constitutional recognition of local government," Senator Rhiannon said.

Senator Rhiannon spoke to members of the media at the Senate doors on Wednesday 19 June 2013 about freedom of information legislation and the upcoming referendum on recognition of local government.

Senator Rhiannon spoke to members of the media at the Senate doors on Wednesday 19 June 2013 about freedom of information legislation and the upcoming referendum on recognition of local government.