The Australian Greens are urging the Federal Government to commit to supporting local communities, regional jobs and a sustainable future, by supporting Alinta Energy's plans to build a solar-thermal plant in Port Augusta.­

Power company Alinta Energy is reportedly meeting with the Federal Government this week regarding the establishment of a solar-thermal power station in Port Augusta.

To mark today's International Hands Across the Sand day of action, Senator for South Australia, Penny Wright, has highlighted the unacceptable risks posed by Bight Petroleum's proposed oil and gas activities to the west of iconic Kangaroo Island.

Bight Petroleum currently has permits to explore for offshore petroleum in an area to the west of the island known as the Kangaroo Island Canyon and Pools, and intend to undertake seismic tests in early 2013 and start drilling in 2014.

Senator WRIGHT (South Australia) (16:00): I rise to make a contribution to this debate because I cannot stay silent in the face of the scaremongering and hysteria being peddled by some unscrupulous elements of the fishing sector, fanned by equally unscrupulous and opportunistic claims from some members of the coalition of the Liberal and National parties. The recent announcement by the environment minister of a national network of marine reserves is certainly a substantial and major step forward for marine conservation in Australia and globally.

The Australian Greens have called for an end to the scaremongering around the Government's marine plans, saying more attention needs to be paid to the real elephant in the room - the free ride given to the oil and gas industry.

"Minister Burke has stated that less than 1 per cent of GVP will be lost to the fishing industry as a result of the marine plans recently announced," Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens marine spokesperson said today.

Australian Greens spokesperson for Mental Health and Greens Senator for South Australia Penny Wright today said she supported the referral of a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission regarding the appalling treatment of Adelaide prisoner Jacqueline Davies during her detention at Adelaide Women's Prison.

 "Recent media reports and evidence provided to a South Australian parliamentary committee about the degrading and inhumane treatment suffered by Ms Davies during her time in prison point to a breach of some fundamental human rights," Senator Wright said.

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by failing to protect the area west of Kangaroo Island from oil and gas exploration and production, Australian Greens Senator for South Australia, Penny Wright, said.

"This is an extremely disappointing outcome for Kangaroo Island and its residents. Minister Burke has not listened to their concerns, instead leaving the Island vulnerable to the very real threat of an oil spill," Senator Wright said.

As Law Week 2012 comes to a close today, it gives us reason to reflect on whether our legal system is achieving justice for all. Justice.For All. What does that mean, today, in 21^st century Australia?

We move:

That the Senate
(a) notes that:
(i) the 14th to 20th May 2012 is Schizophrenia Awareness Week, and
(ii) people with severe mental illness can, on average, die up to 25 years earlier than the rest of the community and are at higher risk of experiencing physical illness ;