Samantha Dunn Greens Candidate for Eastern Victoria

the campaign is dunn and dusted

2010-12-01T22:25:00.006+11:00

It's been a fantastic journey, campaigning on behalf of the Greens in Eastern Victoria. I'm pleased to see an increase in Greens votes across the region in an election where there was a significant swing to conservative politics.

The campaign started quite a long time ago, but ramped up in earnest in November. I've had wonderful support from the Greens Lower House candidates across Eastern Victoria, Brent Hall - Gembrook, Jo Tenner - Monbulk, Tania Giles - Evelyn, Martin Rush - Mornington, Catherine Manning - Hastings, Anton Vigenser - Nepean, Neil Rankine - Bass, Belinda Rogers - Narracan, Kate Jackson - South Gippsland, Dan Jordan - Morwell and Jill Redwood - East Gippsland.

I've travelled the length and breadth of Eastern Victoria, from Lilydale to Portsea, from Berwick to Mallacoota. I've spoken to countless people about a myriad of issues and enjoyed it immensely.

I've had a check of the most recent results for the Upper House, I was curious to find out where the greenest places in Eastern Victoria are based on primary votes (going down to 20%):
32.57% Selby (Monbulk district)
32.45% Kallista
31.85% Belgrave (Gembrook district)
29.33% St Andrews Beach
29.29% Warburton
28.10% Selby (Gembrook district)
27.90% Mt Dandenong
27.45% Tecoma (Gembrook district)
26.61% Tecoma (Monbulk district)
26.09% Ferny Creek
25.88% The Patch
25.70% Belgrave (Monbulk district)
25.56% Mallacoota
25.52% Sassafras
24.32% Shoreham
23.68% Somers
22.34% Cape Patterson
21.90% Balnarring (Hastings district)
21.89% Upwey
21.88% Olinda
21.42% Red Hill
21.24% Dalyston
20.45% Menzies Creek
20.44% Newhaven

For the latest election result data click here.

My thanks to all of the candidates and their support teams, the people who worked closely with me on my campaign, the volunteers who tirelessly letterboxed, doorknocked and handed out on election day, the generous support of people who donated to the campaign and supported our fundraising events. You made this campaign the great success it was.

Where to from here for me, well at this stage it seems like a place in the legislative council is out for me so I'll return to local government as the Lyster Ward councillor in the Shire of Yarra Ranges, where I will continue to be a strong voice for the community.

samantha in the press - election

2010-11-30T23:21:00.000+11:00

Hall upbeat about Coalition's Upper House Chances
ABC Gippsland
30 November 2010

Why vote Green in the Victorian Election?

2010-11-26T10:40:00.001+11:00

Why vote Green in the Victorian election?

Here’s why. And if you like the answers, or this video which explains The Greens’ vision for Victoria, pass them on – because you’re far more influential among your friends, family and colleagues than any amount of political advertising.

Top 10 Reasons to Vote Green in the Victorian Election

1. The Greens stand up for what’s right, not just what’s easy. Whether it’s protecting our environment, introducing universal dental care or advocating for better education for all, The Greens are driven by values, not polls.

2. It’s the party changing Australian politics. The Greens are the third largest and fastest growing political party in Victoria. Last federal election, 1 in 7 Victorians voted Green. This election, the Greens are poised to win our first lower house seats in the Victorian Parliament, and double the Greens representation in the Victorian upper house.

3. For public transport that comes when you need it. The Greens will deliver a system that takes you where you want to go, when you want to go. This means more frequent trains and trams to cut overcrowding, all night services from entertainment areas, and buses that connect to trains. The Greens will establish a single public transport authority to connect transport across the whole state.

4. Provide future generations with clean water. It’s about having the political will and vision to better manage the water we have. The Greens will focus on securing Victoria’s precious water supplies through better capture and treatment of rainwater, protecting our catchments and improving water efficiency standards.

5. To tackle climate change and reduce pollution. The Greens want a price on carbon pollution and investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency for a strong, sustainable economy. The Greens also want to ensure jobs, by supporting re-training programs for Victorian workers moving from coal power stations like Hazelwood, to new industries like manufacturing wind turbines.

6. For better schools. For years, Victoria has spent less on school education than any other state in Australia. The Greens will introduce two years of free publicly-funded kindergarten. We’ll also invest properly in our State’s education from pre-school to university – reducing class sizes and TAFE fees.

7. For a focus on preventative health, better mental health services, and shorter wait times. The Greens understand that healthcare is about more than just hospitals. We prioritise funding for preventative healthcare and early intervention mental healthcare.

8. The Greens have vision. Bob Brown first spoke to the Senate about climate change 14 years ago, well before it became the world's most talked about issue. During Bob's speech, his Labor and Liberal colleagues actually laughed. Today, they are following his lead. In Victoria and around Australia, The Greens focus on what’s right for the next generation, not just what's popular for the next election cycle.

9. For a more powerful vote. Your vote for The Greens is a powerful one. Just look at what has been achieved in the last few months since Adam Bandt has sat in the lower house in Canberra. Now imagine the difference The Greens in the Victorian lower house could make.

10. Because politics can be different. The issues that matter need a lot more of ‘yes’, not more of the familiar ‘no.’ The Greens are about solutions, not just problems and factional party politics.

Together, we can let everyone know that this state election the voters of Victoria do have a choice. Please forward this email, and check out our video which briefly explains The Greens’ vision for Victoria.

Greens caring for carers

2010-11-24T11:19:00.002+11:00

The Greens are the only party who want to see appropriate government funding for a statewide regional carers support network. Other parties continue to pay lip service to this vital area but the Greens are taking action now.

“As a starting point to achieving the full implementation of the Statewide support network the Greens have sought a meeting with Gippsland Carers Association next week to discuss a fully funded pilot project in Gippsland of a Carer Support Network. We believe that such a pilot would clearly demonstrate the need for State-wide Carers Networks, and a pilot would set up a model that could be applied by all Carer Groups across the State who run future Networks,” said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria.

“Carers Networks have traditionally been expected to run without adequate resources and funding and this needs to change, if we’re to make headway on this critical issue.

“By supporting the demonstration model we will have a clear basis to argue for ongoing resources and funding that enable them to meet the needs of carers and families,” continued Samantha Dunn.

“Carers already shoulder an enormous burden and having to also take on unpaid roles in peer support is unsustainable," said Belinda Rogers, candidate for Narracan. "Having local access to a fully funded Community Support Network will make a significant difference in carers lives."

“The Greens will be seeking support in parliament to back this project which would provide a model to use across the state. It is a priority for us in the next term of government,” concluded Samantha.

Further information: Samantha Dunn Upper House Candidate, 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au
Or Belinda Rogers Candidate for Narracan: 0427 924 013

Voters disapprove of major party tactics to shut out the Greens

2010-11-24T10:59:00.001+11:00

A new Galaxy Poll commissioned by Senator Bob Brown has revealed overwhelming disapproval by voters of major party tactics to shut out the Greens and other parties with colluding preference deals.

The national poll of 1066 people taken between November 19-21 shows 63% of voters disapprove when asked their opinion of one major party, such as Labor or Liberal, directing preferences to the other major party, to prevent any candidate other than Labor or Liberal from winning the seat.

68% of Coalition voters disapproved, 58% of Labor voters disapproved and 72% of Greens voters disapproved.

"This poll shows two things: One - voters are wise to the major parties tactics to lock up Parliament, and two - they won't cop it," said Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown.

"In Victoria the Liberal Party strategists have put their traditional enemy, the Labor Party ahead of the Greens on preference cards because they can't cope with the growing swathe of voters who don't want to vote for either of them.

"My advice to voters is to put their preferences where they want to - don't listen to any party.

"This poll indicates that a large majority of Victorians are likely to do that on Saturday."

Media contact: Erin Farley 0438 376 082, www.greensmps.org.au

Further information: Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

samantha in the press - renewables

2010-11-19T19:42:00.000+11:00

Greens pledge to divert millions from coal into renewable energy
Energy Matters
19 November 2010

Greens urge backdown on Bastion Point

2010-11-19T13:38:00.005+11:00

The Victorian Greens today called for a commitment from Labor, Liberal and Independent Craig Ingram to join the Australian Greens in backing the community’s proposal for a low impact boat ramp at Bastion Point, Mallacoota.

Photo: June, Jenny, Samantha and
Dave near Bastion Point, Mallacoota
“The community has worked hard to come up with an alternative that meets the needs of locals, it’s up to the other parties to step up to the plate and endorse the community’s plan,” said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria on a visit to Bastion Point today.

“The independent panel found the project, currently backed by Minister Madden, doesn’t demonstrate any socio-economic and environmental benefits, is likely to be of detriment to tourism and be a financial burden into the future. It’s time to put the brakes on this expensive white elephant and support the community’s win-win solution.

“This is a stunningly beautiful part of Victoria, it beggars belief that the Labor Party and Independent, Craig Ingram support this industrial scale proposal which puts at risk boats exiting and entering broadside to the waves whilst the break wall would impact on sightlines.

“The people of Mallacoota don’t want this massive overdevelopment which would have huge impact on the natural values of Bastion Point. It’s time to see sense and support the community’s more sensitive and cost effective plan to upgrade the boat ramp. Their proposal is less than one fifth the cost of the current plan.

“The Greens in parliament support the community’s proposal as it improves ocean access, upgrades the boat ramp, provides safety for all and maintains the beauty of Bastion Point.

“We need political representatives who are for the local community, not vested interests.

Further information: Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Come and meet your Greens Team for Monbulk

2010-11-19T13:10:00.003+11:00

When: Saturday, 20 November 2010, 10:00am to 4:00pm

Where: at the Grassroots Community Market, behind the Main Street shops in Upwey

Meet your Greens Team for Monbulk:
Jo Tenner, Greens Candidate for Monbulk
Samantha Dunn, Greens Candidate for Eastern Victoria

Come and say 'hello', learn more about Greens policy and how the Greens will keep the government accountable.

samantha in the press - renewables

2010-11-18T18:24:00.000+11:00

Greens pursue renewable energy
Latrobe Valley Express
by Jarrod Whittaker
18 November 2010

samantha in the press - candidates forum

2010-11-17T23:04:00.000+11:00

Candidates come out
Pakenham Gazette
by Jade Lawton
17 November 2010

the campaign trail

2010-11-16T19:12:00.005+11:00

It’s the pointy end of election time and I’ve had a great time getting out across the electorate of Eastern Victoria.

Last week, Neil Rankine, our candidate for Bass and myself spoke to residents at a forum put on by the Cardinia Residents and Ratepayers association.

Last Friday I joined our candidate for Narracan, Belinda Rogers, for the ballot draw in Drouin. Belinda got the luck of the draw getting number one position on the ballot paper.

On Saturday I went to the launch of our candidate for Gippsland South, Kate Jackson in Mirboo North. It’s terrific to talk to locals about the issues that affect them.

Sunday was the Great Green Groove-a-thon fundraiser for the Monbulk campaign for our candidate, Jo Tenner. All the artists donated their time towards the Greens, with Adalita headlining the gig.

Monday I was back in Drouin, to do some grass roots campaigning with Belinda Rogers, our candidate for Narracan. We received a great response with a vast array of issues concerning locals.

Today I travelled to Churchill to launch the campaign of Dan Jordan, our candidate for Morwell. It was terrific to have the support of locals and be able to join with Dan to announce the redirection of public monies from HRL to renewables.

It’s a great electorate, I’ve travelled to many corners of it already and will continue to do so right up to election day.

samantha in the press - forests

2010-11-16T18:24:00.003+11:00

VicForests faces the chop
Mail Newspapers
by Mara Pattison-SowdenShare
16 Nov 2010

Labor’s grubby preference deal

2010-11-16T15:21:00.001+11:00

Today the Greens have come out on the front foot over Labor’s sneaky preference deal with extremist party, Country Alliance.

In a deal that could see Country Alliance elected through Labor preferences, Greens Victorian lead Upper House candidate Samantha Dunn has expressed her anger. “This grubby deal done by the ALP with Country Alliance has all the hallmarks of the Steve Fielding deal done in 2004 that shocked and outraged so many voters,” said Samantha.

“I cannot be clearer, a vote for the ALP in the Upper House is likely to lead to the election of the shooters and hunters party. Country Alliance’s vision is clear – they want less investment in renewable energy and more investment in dirty coal. Is that the future you want for you and your children?” said Samantha.

“Labor pledged to protect our forests and now they turn around and do a deal with a party that wants to destroy them. Country Alliance opposes the creation of any more National Parks and wants to continue logging in catchment areas. Labor clearly cannot be trusted. Voters in this region are smart; they will see this deal for what it is. Any credibility that Labor had with voters has disappeared.”

“At the federal election the Victorian community was loud and clear on the vision they wanted when they voted in their first Greens Lower House member, Senator and record high Green vote across the region. The Victorian community said yes to the vision that supports investment in renewable energy, public transport, preventive health, climate change and making sure our forests are protected.”

“Voting for the ALP this election will crush the vision that the Eastern Victorian community so clearly called for. Our community needs progressive, common sense politics, not out dated, backwards thinking, extremist policy. Think carefully about what future you want after this election. This time your vote is very powerful” Samantha concluded.

Further information: Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Greens commit $150 million to renewables

2010-11-16T15:10:00.002+11:00

The Victorian Greens are opposed to the building of the HRL Brown Coal Power Station in Morwell and will redirect $150 million dollars of public funding earmarked for HRL to renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

At today’s launch for the lower house seat of Morwell the Greens lead candidate for the Eastern Victoria Region Upper House, Ms Samantha Dunn, joined the Greens seat of Morwell candidate Mr Dan Jordan in announcing the Greens intention to redirect the public funding.

“The Victorian Greens are opposed to the HRL Plant being built and will regulate to make sure it does not go ahead because it will not reduce carbon emissions,” said Ms Dunn.

“The Greens will redirect the $150 million dollars of public monies earmarked for this project by the current State and Federal Labor Governments into renewable energy projects such as geothermal power, wind farms and solar power, as well energy efficiency measures with industry and homes,” said Ms Dunn.

Scientists from the University of Melbourne have recently identified the Latrobe Valley as being an ideal location for geothermal power due to the layer of brown coal acting as a thermal blanket.

“The development of geothermal energy in the Latrobe Valley is an exciting possibility,” said Mr Jordan.

“It would attract new industry and create new jobs in the Latrobe Valley and has the potential to become a base load generator of electricity that could replace Hazelwood and possibly other brown coal fired stations as they reach the end of their lives,” concluded Mr Jordan.

For more details, contact Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or Dan Jordan 043 787 0954

A New Life for Old Gippstown

2010-11-15T11:17:00.005+11:00

At the Hold Hands for Gippstown rally on Sunday the Greens candidate for Narracan, Belinda Rogers, congratulated the Old Gippstown Committee of Management on their visionary plan for the future.

“It would be a major loss to Moe and its community if Gippstown did not receive appropriate government funding, now and into the future as it moves towards both environmental and economic sustainability,” Ms Rogers said.

“The objectives put forward by the Old Gippstown committee to make it a sustainability hub is a wonderful initiative which the Greens would be delighted to support,” added Samantha Dunn, Upper House candidate for Greens in Eastern Victoria.

“Making use of the existing windmill and waterwheel, introducing a solar system and wind turbine, upgrading the use of the waste management system with composting, a worm farm, chicken feeding, the recycling of glass, aluminium and cardboard and expanding their vegetable garden into other forms of planting as well can only be a positive thing, not only for Gippstown but the wider Moe community,” Ms Dunn said.

“Greens policy states very clearly that our cultural heritage has value to all Victorians as it provides a unique way to understand our history; the changes that have occurred over time and the contribution that earlier generations have made to our culture. This really sums up what Old Gippstown has been, is currently and most importantly what it wants to be into the future,” said Belinda Rogers.

Samantha Dunn, the Greens Upper House candidate, and myself will do more than merely Hold Hands for Gippstown. We will fight for the commitment from Government to ensure this vision achieves reality,” said Belinda Rogers.

Further information:
Belinda Rogers 0427 924 013 or belinda.rogers@vic.greens.org.au
or Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Futureproofing the food bowl

2010-11-12T16:07:00.000+11:00

Samantha Dunn – candidate for Eastern Victoria
Tania Giles – candidate for Evelyn
12 November 2010

“It’s time for government to step up to the plate and commit to funding the Recycled Water Pipeline Scheme for the Yarra Valley instead of wasting taxpayers money on poorly executed water projects like the North South Pipeline,” said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria.

The Yarra Ranges Council are advocating for the construction of a recycled water pipeline from the sewerage treatment plant in Lilydale, to guarantee a secure source of water for growers in the Yarra Valley.

“We need to get cracking on these innovative water recycling schemes like the one proposed by Yarra Ranges Council,” said Tania Giles, Greens candidate for Evelyn.

“A secure water supply for agricultural use in the Yarra Valley is a sound investment in Melbourne’s food bowl and food security.”

“The benefits to growers in the region are enormous, with a broad net economic benefit of $37.8million, this project would secure the valley's future as a key food growing area.”

“The Greens want to see these sustainable water options implemented across our food bowl areas, we need to be smarter with water and this is a project that fits the bill,” concluded Samantha.

Further information:
Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

ALP still paralyzed over forests

2010-11-12T11:37:00.003+11:00

The Greens Gippsland East Candidate, Jill Redwood has said today’s forest policy announcement by the ALP is business as usual dressed in drag.

“It’s nothing to be overjoyed about. Announcing a meeting process, that won’t meet until after the election is very underwhelming. We’d much prefer to hear a firm date as to when the inevitable transition into plantations will occur”, said Jill Redwood. “A firm industry plan with exit packages is what is needed. The Greens and the majority of the public have been opposed to the destruction of public forests through industrial scale logging for decades.”

“There’s nothing new in this announcement at all. We don’t need another committee; we don’t need another VicForests look‐alike commercial logging monopoly; we don’t need a government entity that is constantly in conflict with itself – profit vs environment.”

“What we urgently need is a different culture within the government and its forester dominated environment department. It took four years to see the Labor government’s 2006 promises acted upon and even that was 70% spin.

“The Greens are pleased to see the government commit to carrying out threatened species surveys before they plan to clearfell native forests, but this was forced on them by the recent Supreme Court case. It remains to be seen if this will happen in all forests and across all seasons. Proper and credible assessments would require this”, said Ms Redwood.

Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria said it’s virtually business as usual."We will still see our forests logged while these talks go on, loosing precious carbon stores and biodiversity, this announcement today fails to meet expectations that logging of our high conservation forests will cease.”

“The Greens in parliament will keep working until old growth forests, high conservation value forests and town water catchments are given protection, and then work to shift the dwindling native forest logging industry into the security of the plantation sector.

For comment: Jill Redwood 5154 1045 / Samantha Dunn 0429 292 904 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Greens are go for Green Wedge

2010-11-12T11:27:00.001+11:00

Jo Tenner, Greens Candidate for Monbulk is delighted to announce the Greens support for the purchase of the Knox Glenfern Green Wedge/Cattle Run.

“The Greens wholeheartedly support the public purchase of this land for both it’s cultural and natural significance. It must be protected for future generations. The Green Wedge is supposed to stop the city from sprawling outwards across land of this type, it appears that adding it to the public estate is the only way to ensure it is protected.”

The Glenfern Green Wedge/Cattle Run represents a unique piece of the Dandenong Ranges Foothills; a key link in the chain of environmentally significant land that comprises the Glenfern Bushlands and Gilmore Park; and one of the few large areas of land in Knox that has not been subject to the sprawl of urban development.

Further information:
Samantha Dunn: 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au
Jo Tenner: 0408023386 or jotenner@gmail.com

Wood or Water Wellington Shire? Greens

2010-11-12T10:59:00.002+11:00

The Wellington Shire’s recent majority decision to support the continued logging of Melbourne’s water catchment in the Central Highlands shows a lack of understanding of the connection between logging and water.

Jill Redwood, long time forest campaigner and now Greens candidate for the seat of Gippsland East said she was astounded at the lack of thought by councillors on such an important issue.

“If the logging continues, it will dry out entire catchments of up to 50% of their normal stream flow for at least the next 80 years. This phenomena is acknowledged by Melbourne Water and many scientists. It will make the water shortage even more critical for not only Melbourne but many Gippsland towns as well. Our local town’s water supplies come from the very forests which Wellington councillors want to see clearfelled.

“Would Wellington Shire oppose moves by Melbourne to take water from Gippsland’s storages and rivers?

“Those Councilors seemed to believed that the Gunns‐owned Heyfield Mill was only dependant on more and more access to public forests for its future survival”, said JR. “In fact Gunns has already declared it will be closing down its native forest logging operations on the mainland in the near future.

“The sawn timber market is also on a steep downhill run with over 80% of all building materials now being supplied by plantation wood. This trend is continuing despite large public financial assistance that native forest logging still enjoys. So any amount of council support will be confetti in the wind. “The Greens would be looking to help transition the industry into a conflict‐free plantations future as soon as possible. Those in the industry should be allowed to exit with dignity, be retrained or assisted to move their skills to the substantial plantations in western Victoria. Those companies are screaming out for workers and are in fact importing workers from overseas to fill the jobs.”

Further information: Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

the great green groove-a-thon

2010-11-11T16:53:00.004+11:00

The Greens are great supporters of live music and now some of the best of Melbourne and Hills muso’s are returning the favour. Recently, with parliamentary support from Greens MPs, live music representatives were able to broker a deal with State government to lift onerous licencing conditions that was stifling Melbourne’s music scene by requiring venues to hire additional bouncers when live music was performed.

This gig will celebrate the success of the Music Doesn’t Cause Violence Campaign.

Where:Ruby's Lounge Belgrave

When: Sun 14th Nov, 3-8pm

Cost: $ 15.00Regular and $ 10.00 Concession
You can book online or just pay at the door.

It would be great to see you there, the line up includes:
Adalita (Magic Dirt)
Courtney Barnett + the olivettes (Folk-pop blues with a summertime feel)
Jed Rowe Band (roots rock with white-hot lap-steel guitar)
Jenny Biddle (Infectious, soulful voice, with blistering guitar excursions)
Michelle Chandler and Christina Green
Penelope Arvanitakis, Charles Baby, Carol McCoy
MC - Mal Webb (vocal gymnast and looping beatbox legend)

Come and get Green and groovy!

The battle for Hastings

2010-11-10T17:44:00.002+11:00

Greens candidate for Hastings Catherine Manning says Mr. Brumby’s grand plan for the destruction of Westernport is becoming clear now that the Port of Hastings has been earmarked for export of brown coal within a decade. A Transport Department document released to The Greens reveals 12 million tonnes of Victoria’s brown coal could be shipped offshore each year within a decade along with another 4 million tonnes of liquid fuel derived from coal. Woodchip exports from East Gippsland have also been touted as possible future exports through the Port of Hastings.

“Clean coal is an oxymoron and it’s not going to be the economic saviour for Westernport either” says Catherine, who has been leading a campaign against the proposed major expansion of the Port of Hastings for several years. “Government continues to churn out the same tired old “business as usual” plans when what is really needed is a new mindset and a new economy built around clean renewable technologies.

You’d have to wonder if any of our elected Labor of Liberal representatives have heard of, let alone understand the implications of climate change, sea level rise and peak oil. On one hand scientists tell us that Westernport is particularly vulnerable to the impending impacts of climate change[1] and yet according to Mr. Brumby its future lies in reliance on the very industries that have cranked up the impacts of climate change: coal production, woodchips, and moving millions of containers of low value items in pollution belching ships and trucks”.

Planning Minister Madden recently approved the Crib Point Boral bitumen plant despite an Independent Panel recommending against it. The Port of Melbourne Corporation juggernaut recently took over the Port of Hastings Corporation and plans to turn Hastings Port into something twice the current size of the Port of Melbourne.

"It’s pretty clear that Mr. Brumby and his operatives reckon Westernport and Hastings Township is of no use other than as a massive polluting container port and storage hub for dirty industries."

Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria said of the uncovering, "These documents show how smitten with coal this government is. It has no plans to stop using coal, but wants to expand ways to use this dirty, greenhouse emitting fossil fuel as Victoria's economic saviour, at the expense of not only the RAMSAR listed Westernport, but of our sustainable economic future too.”

Ms Manning says that being elected as the Greens MP for the Hastings electorate will ensure that the concerns of local residents, leading scientists and experts concerned about the impacts of the proposed Port of Hastings development are brought to the table, and that the Government is held accountable instead of riding rough shod over the community.

Further information: Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Greens call for forest transition to plantations

2010-11-10T14:41:00.016+11:00

The Victorian Greens today called for Labor and Liberal to join the Australian Greens in backing a new dialogue between the State's logging industry and conservation groups on how to complete the transition out of native forests and into plantations.

"Some of the key players involved in the historic Tasmanian logging agreement are also involved in the Victorian native forest logging industry—and they are ready to enter into a similar process," said Damian Magner, Greens candidate for Eastern Metropolitan.

“If we could give clear tripartisan support for the talks, it could be a matter of weeks or months before we can see the industry on a new path that completes the transition out of native forest logging and into jobs rich plantations.

“The Greens are committed to assisting affected workers with a targeted package of vocational training, relocation subsidies and generous redundancy payments to affected workers.”

“We must stop wood-chipping our native forests and start protecting them for the immense value they provide for climate, biodiversity and water,” said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria. "Our native forests should be protected and managed for these purposes, not squandered for woodchips."

“The people of Victoria don’t want to see our unique forests destroyed in this way, over 80% of Victorians are against wood-chipping. They want our beautiful forests conserved so that current and future generations can enjoy and value them.

“Every Green vote at the coming state election is a step closer to a win-win breakthrough on the logging issue, as the result in Tasmania clearly demonstrated."

“The transition in Western Victoria has been a resounding success," said Marcus Ward, Greens candidate for Western Victoria.

"In the Otways and the southwest, plantation logging is booming, employment is growing and the old conflicts are in the past. Plantation workers are being sourced from overseas. Across the state, the wood products industry continues to innovate and thrive with 85% of wood for building and processing now coming from plantations.

“Ending native forest logging east of the Hume will greatly reduce Victoria's carbon footprint, equivalent to removing 2.4 million cars from the state's roads as well as releasing an extra 60 gigalitres per annum of water into our domestic water supply. That's more than enough to supply the cities of Ballarat and Bendigo,” said Mr Ward.

“An historic window of opportunity has opened thanks to our Tasmanian neighbours. It's time to put the conflict of the past behind us and help Victoria's loggers secure a competitive, profitable future in plantation logging.”

Further information:

Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Damian Magner 0402 687 472 or damian.magner@vic.greens.org.au

Marcus Ward 0427 235 254 or marcus.ward@vic.greens.org.au

Greens announce new train station on Lilydale line

2010-11-09T23:23:00.010+11:00

The Victorian Greens have announced plans to build a new train station on the Lilydale line, along with the construction of the second track between Mooroolbark and Lilydale stations.

Photo: Tania Giles, Samantha Dunn & Damian Magner at
the site of the proposed new railway station

Speaking at the site near the intersection of Hull and Mooroolbark Roads, Tania Giles - Greens candidate for Evelyn District, outlined the benefits of a new station at the location.

“The distance between Mooroolbark and Lilydale stations is nearly 5 kilometres. A new station located half way between, near the intersection of Hull and Mooroolbark Roads, would service residential areas to the north-west and east of this location, including Mt Evelyn,” Ms Giles said.

The Greens commitment to the new station and track duplication is part of their ‘Public Transport Plan for Melbourne’s East’, which was launched in October by Damian Magner, Greens Upper House candidate for the Eastern Metropolitan Region.

“Over 1 million people live in Melbourne’s middle to outer eastern suburbs, yet the level of investment for public transport by successive governments has been lacking in recent decades,” Mr Magner said.

The proposed station site is located on the boundary of the Kilsyth and Evelyn electorates. Justin-Paul Sammons - Greens candidate for Kilsyth District, said, “Building a new station and providing the long awaited second track will make it easier and more convenient for people to use public transport and help to prevent hold ups caused by the single track sections of the line.”

Samantha Dunn, Greens Upper House candidate for Eastern Victoria Region, said “Improvements to the Lilydale line will give people in Melbourne’s outer east far better travel options beyond the private car. We see an over reliance on cars out here, it’s about time people had a public transport system that takes you where you want to go when you want to go.”

The estimated cost for the new train station and track duplication is $54 million. See the Greens plan at: www.vic.greens.org.au/easternPTplan

For further information contact:
Tania Giles 0408 364 066 or tania.giles@vic.greens.org.au
Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Salt overload kills lakes' ecosystem – Greens

2010-11-09T17:15:00.015+11:00

Greens candidate for Gippsland East Jill Redwood has accused the State government of thumbing their nose at the Gippsland Lakes communities, at environmental responsibilities and at the law.

Photo: A once common sight in spring, the Greens
say black swan populations are greatly reduced
since the dredging in 2008.
“Red tides, algal blooms and dead seagrass beds are a serious warning to us. The mass kill of shellfish, the disappearance of most swans, waterbirds and even the tough little water rats tell us that the lakes are in serious decline”, said Jill Redwood, Greens candidate for Gippsland East. “The Greens water policy recognises that healthy freshwater ecosystems are the lifeblood of a healthy landscape, and underpin the health of our communities and economies” she said.

“Many locals have noticed this latest death rattle of the Lakes. It could have been prevented if the local government authorities had have taken some advice, acted with caution and made a decision that favoured the community and Australia’s largest freshwater chain of lakes.

“But the government and local politician’s bull‐at‐a‐gate support for dredging the entrance has tripled the depth and ignored environment legislation. Even basic monitoring to understand impacts has been bypassed. The Lakes are now so salt laden they are toxic to its natural life.

“Without any consultation and without adhering to minimal regulations, a deep sea port has been constructed at Lakes Entrance at great cost to the Lakes. We were led to believe it’s for the fishing fleet, but evidence points to it primarily being to accommodate the needs of the offshore gas operations and Esso’s desire to have larger boats to service their rigs”.

“Now this disastrous decision has been executed, the Greens are urging the Brumby government to take urgent action and install barrage structures to protect Lakes King, Wellington and Victoria.

“The Greens in parliament have always spoken out against the close relationship between big business and government. Unless this is challenged, it will always skew our system of democracy. Corporate influences of political decisions often come at great environmental and social cost.

Further information: Jill Redwood, 5154 0145, jill.redwood@vic.greens.org.au
or Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

samantha in the press - public transport

2010-11-09T17:14:00.000+11:00

Steam over station
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
9 November 2010

Rosebud foreshore threatened by mega complex

2010-11-09T16:39:00.009+11:00

Anton Vigenser, the Greens Candidate for Nepean, believes the foreshore is the wrong location for the Southern Peninsula Aquatic Centre (SPA).

“Why can’t the Shire and our local MPs do the research that the Minister for Environment Gavin Jennings requested in 2007 about viable alternative sites?” asked Mr Vigenser.

“We need the SPA now in a convenient and appropriate area. We don’t want a mega complex on our beautiful foreshore which would destroy current community activities and amenities such as the iconic Rosebud Carnival, the scout hall, impose on the heritage listed Sound Shell and encroach on our Village Green,” said Mr. Vigenser.

The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council 2005 feasibility study showed widespread support from the community for the Aquatic Centre. Mr Vigenser said: “I share the frustrations of the community about the delays. The project could already be going ahead on an alternate appropriate site.”

Mr Vigenser said “The focus to date has been on building the SPA on the foreshore yet on November 27th, 2006 in a letter to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, the Department of Sustainability and Environment advised that siting the SPA on the foreshore would contradict the Victorian Coastal Management Act and would not be supported.”

The letter, obtained under FOI, clearly stated the case against the location:

The proposed facility is not coastal dependent and could be located in a non coastal location;
Potential detrimental impact on pedestrian and visual access and amenity; and
Potential detrimental impact of construction and operation on vulnerable coastal vegetation and dune systems.

Mr. Vigenser said: “There are also many unanswered questions about the project coming from the community including the Mornington Peninsula Rate Payers and Residents Association. Concerns have been about sea level rise, increased traffic on the highway and setting a precedent on our coastlines which destroys vulnerable vegetation and dune systems.”

“The Shadow Climate Change Minister Greg Hunt and local Liberal MP Martin Dixon are supporting the location of the SPA on the foreshore, yet their campaign platform includes protecting Victorian coastlines” said Mr. Vigenser.

In the Southern Peninsula News (02/11) Martin Dixon was quoted saying: “If elected, we'll give immediate consent for it to go on the foreshore. People have got sick of waiting. I never thought I'd be going to the election with this as a policy”.

“Immediate consent effectively means Dixon and the Liberals would make a major, alarming change in the current Victorian coastal legislation so this inappropriate development can go ahead on our precious coast. This could open up the Peninsula foreshore to wholesale development - the Gold Coast comes to the Peninsula” said Mr. Vigenser.

For more details, contact Anton Vigenser 0435 588 503
or Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Urban and Land Use Planning Policy

2010-11-09T15:16:00.005+11:00

The Greens will work towards returning democracy, clarity, sustainability and integrity to urban and land use planning

Our planning-system is currently complex, inefficient, and unaccountable. More transparency and accountability needs to be injected into our planning system with decision-making powers being returned to local Victorian communities.
When elected to the Victorian Parliament in 2010, The Greens will work towards implementing the following improvements to Victoria’s Planning system.

Democracy

International experience demonstrates that given the opportunity to genuinely participate in decision making, people are more likely to support difficult, yet critical, decisions, leading to a better city. The Greens will protect people’s right to a say in planning our cities and state by:

1. Opposing the government’s proposals to: allow developers to prepare private planning scheme amendments; create processes with no third party rights (code assessment).

2. Improving the Planning and Environment Act in line with the views of councils and submissions to the review process.

3. Maintaining third party rights for planning applications, reviewing where these have been removed and legislating for third party rights under the Heritage Act.

4. Ending ad hoc call-ins by the Planning Minister.

5. Funding councils to work with communities to identify sites for higher density residential developments.

6. Allowing councils and communities to set mandatory height limits and stronger provisions in Development Design Overlays.

7. Dissolving Development Assessment Committees and return decision making to councils and communities in these areas.

Clarity

Current planning laws are unclear and lacking in direction. They fail to protect environmental values, public open spaces, social equity and heritage. With community input, The Greens will provide certainty for residents and applicants by:

8. Turning local planning ‘guidelines’ (ResCode) into enforceable rules that are consistently applied to all buildings and enforced by Responsible Authorities and VCAT.

9. Strengthening ResCode for developments to improve environmental design and better protect neighbour’s amenity, internal liveability and accessibility including overshadowing, overlooking and private open space.

10. Implementing rules for developments over four storeys rather than current discretionary design guidelines.

11. Respecting Heritage including consulting with people on the recommendations from the 2007 Heritage Overlay Review.[1]

Sustainability

The Greens will build homes that use less energy, protect our environment and are affordable by:

12. Including environmental sustainable design priorities and standards for energy and water use for housing in the Planning and Environment Act.

13. Prioritising public transport, education facilities, walking and cycling paths for new developments.

14. Protecting green wedges and open space in urban areas for healthy living, protection of biodiversity and productive land.

15. Addressing housing affordability by investing in more social and public housing.[2]

16. Introducing minimum rental housing standards.

Integrity

Independence in planning is compromised when political parties receive donations from developers. The Greens will restore confidence in the planning system by:

17. The Greens will ban donations to political parties other than from individuals and these will be capped. All donations must be disclosed prior to an election.

18. Requiring responsible authorities to maintain records of all meetings, including pre-application meetings, with applicants, councils and residents

1 www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/__data/.../Heritage_Review_Consultation_Paper.pdf
2 www.parliament.vic.gov.au/publications/...inquiry...public-housing...victoria/download

samantha in the press - public transport

2010-11-09T09:52:00.001+11:00

Steam over station
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
9 Nov 2010

Greens push for Federal role in transport planning

2010-11-08T22:05:00.008+11:00

Federal Greens MPs have joined with their Victorian counterparts to announce new transport policies that would bring sustainability, coherence and long-term planning to State Government’s transport priorities.

Greens Senators Christine Milne and Scott Ludlam, Federal MP Adam Bandt, and Victorian MLC Greg Barber joined with Greens Richmond candidate Kathleen Maltzahn at the intersection of Hoddle Street and the Eastern Freeway, today.

The Greens’ Federated Transport Plan uses the power of Federal Government funding to enforce better transport planning and implementation at a State level and includes:

Making long-range city and State-wide strategic transport sustainability plans a condition of transport funding, and requiring Infrastructure Australia to set benchmarks and audit the plans;
In conjunction with the States and Territories, the establishment of a national transport research centre.

Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said "Getting people moving around cities like Melbourne faster, more conveniently, more sustainably and more cheaply is a challenge which needs to see the Federal and State governments working together.

"Only with proper coordinated planning can we get a truly sustainable solution that will work for people and the planet."

Australian Greens Senator, Scott Ludlam, said “These are important policy changes that have been backed by a Senate inquiry.

“The States and Territories have given political support to long term planning as part of a COAG process but we want to see the Federal Government get the ball rolling.”

Greens Member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt, said “With more Greens elected in Victoria we will be able to do more to get good, cooperative policies like these operating across the State and Federal levels of government.”

Greens Richmond candidate, Kathleen Maltzahn, said “Infrastructure Australia is already signalling that its strong preference is to fund public transport. With these measures, the signals will only get stronger. Despite this, the Labor State Government continues to submit bids for massive road tunnels.”

"With the Greens’ Public Transport Authority, Victoria will have a strong advocate to seek Federal funding for Victoria’s long-term public transport needs.”

Further information: Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Mallacoota and Snowy River betrayed: Greens

2010-11-08T21:40:00.002+11:00

Greens candidate for Gippsland East, Jill Redwood, said that the Greens is the only party which has onsistently and actively supported the return of flows to the Snowy River. It is also the sole voice in Parliament that has spoken out for the low impact community plan to upgrade and protect Bastion Point.

“Sadly, the saga of the Snowy River highlights the Labor government’s contempt for the far flung voters of this electorate. This government has dishonored its own promises and its own law. We have seen a major betrayal on the Snowy,” said Jill Redwood. “The river is as parched as when our politicians promised to rescue it 10 years ago.”

“Last year we should have seen 15% of its natural flows returned and next year 21%. Just recently our political representatives celebrated a piddling 6% as a great achievement. It’s too grim to even laugh about”, said Ms Redwood. “Do irrigators across the range and the Snowy Hydro Corporation have more weight in the 'balancing act’ than East Gippsland or adhering to written laws?”

“The other 10 year battle has been for Mallacoota’s beautiful Bastion Point. Despite the majority of locals wanting a more sensitive and cost effective plan to upgrade the boat ramp, the $6.5 million industrial scale earthworks is supported by Mr Ingram and the Labor party. Although part of the Wilderness Coast, they want a breakwall, large scale clearing, roading and ongoing dredging.”

“The industrial upgrade would destroy a stunningly beautiful coastline”, said Ms Redwood. “Even the Supreme Court Judge commented during the legal challenge that the plan was overkill.”

"Minister Madden and Mr Ingram are both ignoring the advice of the Government’s independent expert panel. It tendered a 200 page report recommending that the proposal be abandoned due to the high risk of boats exiting and entering broadside to the waves, and the break-wall would inhibit visibility."

“The community’s low impact, engineer-endorsed plan is less than one-fifth the cost of the current plan. The Greens in Parliament supported this as it improves ocean access, upgrades the boat ramp, provides safety for all and maintains the beauty of Bastion Point."

“We need political representatives who are for the local community.”

For comment: Jill Redwood 5154 0145
Further information: Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Be Strategic, Vote Smart, Vote Green for Eastern Victoria

2010-11-08T14:10:00.007+11:00

Moe community activist, Cheryl Wragg, today announced she had been endorsed by the Greens for the Upper House electorate of Eastern Victoria in number 2 spot on the Greens ticket.

Ms. Wragg said: “I am encouraging people in Gippsland to vote strategically in the upcoming State election. Their upper house vote means they can hold to account whichever Party wins control of the lower house. Many decisions taken by successive Victorian governments over the last fifteen and more years have badly hurt a lot of Gippsland people. It’s time people in our region gave themselves an insurance policy against more of the same by voting Green in the upper house.”

In addition to voting for a lower house representative, voters also decide on the upper house region of Eastern Victoria which has five parliamentary representatives. Currently, two of these positions are held by the Labor Party, two are held by the Liberal Party, and one is held by the National Party.

Ms. Wragg said: “By voting for the Greens upper house ticket, Gippsland voters can break the stranglehold of the major parties over the electorate of Eastern Victoria. The upper house reviews government legislation and actions, and holds the government to account. If there’s one thing Gippsland communities are crying out for, it’s accountability from governments. So many important decisions have and are being taken that directly affect this region and our communities – Gippslanders must be part of that process, that conversation, and where necessary, that argument. That’s why I’m standing up as part of the Greens Upper House team so that, together, we can stand up for Gippsland and Eastern Victoria.”

Greens Eastern Victoria Upper House candidates are: Samantha Dunn (1), Cheryl Wragg (2), Penelope Swales (3), Francine Buckley (4), and Andrea Millsom (5).

For further comment, contact Cheryl Wragg ph. 51 27 3790

Biographic Details: Cheryl Wragg

Cheryl Wragg was born in Yallourn and grew up with her family in Moe. She attended South Street Primary School and Moe High School. After completing her HSC in 1978, Cheryl studied for a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Melbourne. She was the first person in her extended working class family to achieve a university degree, completed in 1985. Cheryl has had a varied and interesting professional career.

Immediately after graduating, she worked as a care attendant in a residential setting assisting adolescents and children with cerebral palsy. Starting in the late 1980s, Cheryl worked as a senior researcher and policy advisor in the union movement specialising in heavy engineering and manufacturing industry development/job creation, and State vocational education and training policy. Since then, Cheryl has worked as a manufacturing industry consultant in the Victorian State public service, as a vocational curriculum designer, as an industrial researcher within the tertiary education sector, and within the community sector as a utility advocate and campaign organiser.

Cheryl is a committed volunteer activist. During the last ten years she has participated in utilities consumer advocacy with the Energy Action Group Inc.; with her father, George Wragg, as an antiasbestos advocate bringing ABC Four Corners to the Latrobe Valley for the making of ‘Power Without Glory’, later becoming Secretary of Gippsland Asbestos Related Diseases Support Group Inc. (GARDS) 2001-2002; and since September, 2008 as a founding member and elected Secretary of Moe and District Residents Association Inc. (MADRA Inc.).

Cheryl is a recent member of the Greens Party. She believes the Greens provide the best and most responsive political advocacy and representation today for working class people and their communities. Her membership of the Greens is testament to her values not changing while her vote has. Cheryl is committed to industry development including an energy industry plan that delivers jobs justice for the Latrobe Valley, economic security and an improved outlook for the central Gippsland region and its communities.

Cheryl lives in Moe with her husband, Peter Gibbons, and their family dog, Bella. Cheryl’s interests include reading, art, walking and enjoying time with family and friends.

For further comment, contact Cheryl Wragg ph. 51 27 3790

greens launch the state campaign

2010-11-07T21:55:00.027+11:00

Today the Victorian Greens officially launched their state election campaign.

It's always great to see Bob in Melbourne.

Brian Walter s has a real chance of winning the lower house seat of Melbourne, whilst Richard di Natale is Victoria's first Green Senator.

The roll call of lead candidates.

Bob calls all the candidates to the stage.

On the left is Catherine Manning, our candidate for Hastings, Catherine has been a vocal opponent to the expansion of the Port of Hastings, on the right is Ann Birrell, Greens candidate for Albert Park.

Colleen Hartland, MLC for Western Metropolitan, Colleen has been a strong voice for the people of the western suburbs, the Greens are your voice in the parliament keeping the government accountable.

Damian Magner is the Greens candidate for Eastern Metropolitan. Like all Greens he has a vision for good quality public transport across the East of Melbourne, he even has a plan.

On the left is Rose Iser, candidate for Essendon, up against planning Minister, Justin Madden, in the middle is Penelope Swales, who is number 3 on the upper house ticket for Eastern Victoria.

Greg Barber, MLC for Northern Metro, has been instrumental in calling the government to account, his inquiry into train failures highlighted the ongoing and systemic failures of our rail public transport system.

This is just a small slice of the candidates at the launch as we lined up on stage, there were many more unpictured as numbers swelled spilling over to the floor - from left to righ: Sue Pennicuik, Liam Farrelly, Samantha Dunn, Bob Brown, Brian Walters, Colleen Hartland, Kathleen Maltzhan, Nick Carson, Greg Barber, event signer, Cyndi Dawes, Catherine Manning, Janet Rice and Damian Magner.

Tim Baxter is our candidate for Box Hill and is committed to the redevelopment of the Box Hill interchange.

Adam Bandt made history by becoming the first Greens elected to the Federal parliament, lets make history again with the Victorian State Election.

This is John Janetzki our candidate for Mulgrave.

Sue Pennicuik, MLC for Southern Metropolitan. She has been a voice for Eastern Victoria too, standing up against channel deepening, logging of Brown Mountain and the inappropriate Bastion Point development in Mallacoota. More Greens in parliament will give an even greater voice to the people of Victoria.

Here's Matthew Billman, Greens candidate for Clayton, Matthew works in the public transport industry, when he talks about public transport he really gets it.

It's terrific to see the Senators supporting the Victorian Greens campaign, here's Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, she's been a great advocate for the Murray Darling basin, children rights and asylum seekers.

Announcing our candidate for Mornington

2010-11-05T16:05:00.003+11:00

It's terrific to welcome Martin Rush to the Eastern Victoria Team as our lower house candidate for Mornington

Greens announce candidate for Mornington for the 2010 State Election

The Greens are pleased to announce Martin Rush as the endorsed candidate for Mornington.

Martin is a long term visitor to and now resident of Mornington. He is a Life Member and Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration, Victoria. He is passionate about singing in a local group, The Mornington Musical, for the benefit of elderly people on the Peninsula and is involved in Mornington environment and historical groups, book reading, philosophy and a foreshore restoration group. He is a proud grandfather, has two children and a lovely wife, two dogs and a beloved back garden including the vegie patch. The garden is indigenous (mainly), and the house is well served with solar panels, solar water heating and 28,000 litre water tanks.

Martin said the following needs encouraged him to stand as a Greens candidate for Mornington:

· genuine community influence in planning processes;
· frequent, accessible and integrated public transport services;
· protection for our foreshore and beaches;
· protection for our Green Wedge rural character and urban open spaces;
· more support for arts, leisure, environment and sporting groups.

”I’m very concerned about the proposed development of the Mornington Marina on Mother’s Beach, and planning decisions changing the character of Mornington” Martin said. “The environmental impact of Peninsula Link, the recent destruction of the heritage listed Westerfield estate, and the impending effects on the Moorooduc plains is a serious sign of the current government’s lack of concern for the people and environment of this electorate”.

“The Greens recent success in the Federal election and the high 19% polling figures indicates that voters are looking for a political party that will represent the community, stand for what’s right, and not be influenced by large developers or industries at the expense of the ordinary person.”

For more details, contact Martin Rush: 0417 380 804, martin.rush@vic.greens.org.au

Another broken promise for the Snowy

2010-11-04T19:58:00.003+11:00

Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria, Samantha Dunn today highlighted the governments’ broken promises on the Snowy River and said it was a symptom of their inability to do what’s right for the river, its dependent communities and honour its own legislation in regard to the Snowy.

“As they party over a measly 6%, the people are asking where's the legislated 15% flows to the Snowy, let alone the 28% flows identified by scientists as the minimum to keep the river alive,” said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria, in response to the secret announcement on the Snowy today by the NSW, Victorian State and Commonwealth Government.

“We’ll see some lovely pictures on television of gushing water through the Snowy today, but next week and after the election it will be back to reduced flows. This is simply a rehash of a promise made in 2002 with a price tag of an additional $13.7million to taxpayers.”

“I can understand why the public weren’t invited to this announcement; there are too many awkward, unanswered questions.”

“If the Government is allowed to get away with another broken promise while we watch one of our most iconic rivers dry up before our very eyes, what can they be trusted on? That’s why it’s important to have Greens elected in the Upper House to keep whoever wins government accountable to its promises,” concluded Samantha.

Further information: Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Jill Redwood stands for Gippsland East

2010-11-02T20:48:00.006+11:00

"It's terrific to welcome Jill to the Eastern Victoria campaign as a lower house candidate for Gippsland East, Jill will be a great asset to the Eastern Victoria team in the lead up to the state election," said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria at the announcement of Jill Redwood's preselection.

Well-known environmentalist, writer and cartoonist, Jill Redwood, is the Greens Lower House candidate in Gippsland East for the November 27 state election.

“I’m proud to throw my hat in the ring for this region”, said Jill Redwood “Right across Victoria voters now have the chance to vote for the progressive policies of the Greens.”

Jill Redwood and Bob Brown at the Supreme Court in August after a win against logging the old growth habitat of rare wildlife

Jill Redwood has lived and worked in Gippsland for over 30 years. A well-know environmentalist, Jill has spoken out for the environment, wildlife and forest conservation since the mid 1980s. After leaving an early career in biological research, Jill Redwood’s life and work moved from near Walhalla to Maffra and then to Cann River. After the 1983 fires burnt out her property, Jill bought land in Goongerah in the early 1980s where she built an environmentally low impact house. She now runs an eco-accommodation business and a small organic property.

Jill Redwood has coordinated the conservation group, Environment East Gippsland for the past 22 years, has bred and trained heavy horses, and has a passion for the natural environment and wildlife. Jill has also been a CFA member for the past 20 years.

“Like many people, I see there is a desperate need to bring some sanity, compassion and honesty into the world, at both local and global level," said Jill Redwood. "Having campaigned for an improved environment for so long, I have learnt that the major parties are too often - and too easily - influenced by large developers and big business."

“In contrast, the Greens have always been a party with social compassion, environmental understanding and political ethics,” said Jill Redwood. “The Greens are not beholden to large donors in exchange political favours.”

Jill Redwood's main focus areas are:real forest and biodiversity conservation, ensuring water resources are correctly managed, not wasted, the inappropriate influence of large businesses on government decisions at the expense of the community’s interests, employment based on the new clean economy - not relying on the old dirty extractive industries,the real threat of climate change and maintaining the character of Gippsland by controlling unsuitable developments and population increases.

For more information visit http://vic.greens.org.au/gippslandeast

portsea beach, more like an ocean beach

2010-11-01T20:56:00.005+11:00

Follow this link to look at the video made out at Portsea Beach last week with Greens MP, Sue Pennicuik and candidate for Nepean, Anton Vigenser.

A six point plan for better Public Transport

2010-10-29T12:24:00.001+11:00

Samantha Dunn – Upper House candidate for Eastern Victoria
29 October 2010

“People on the fringe and in regional Victoria are sick and tired of a failing public transport system, this issue comes up time and time again out on the campaign trail, “said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria at the launch of the Greens Six Point Plan to Fix Public Transport.

“It is the Greens who are strongly committed to fast, frequent, well connected, safe and accessible public transport for Victoria. A key step in achieving that is the establishment of an independent and accountable Public Transport Authority,” Samantha said.

“There’s a myriad of agencies connected to the provision of public transport, The Greens would abolish these bureaucracies and transfer their powers and funding, but not necessarily their staff, to the new Public Transport Authority.”

Under the Greens plan urgent problems needing immediate action would be tackled, buses, rail, myki and a future growth taskforce all in the mix.

V/Line was taken back into public hands in 2003. Until recently, it operated in limbo, as the Bracks and Brumby governments tried to devise a way to reprivatise it. As a result, there has been little long-term planning. It needs reform, rather than wholesale replacement.

“There needs to be a concerted effort to integrate our regional transport and devise an integrated rail-bus network connecting regional Victorians to local, inter-regional and Melbourne destinations. This includes a staged program for track duplications, electrification and standardisation to allow for additional services across regional Victoria,” Samantha concluded.

The Greens Six Point Plan to Fix Public Transport:
1. End the failed privatisation experiment
2. Establish a powerful, accountable public transport authority
3. Fixing urgent problems
4. Make public transport safe
5. Extend rail and tram systems
6. Integrated public transport for regional Victoria

For the detailed plan click here.

that's not a beach, it's an embankment

2010-10-28T09:18:00.008+11:00

Samantha Dunn - candidate for Eastern Victoria

Anton Vigenser - candidate for Nepean

28 October 2010

Samantha Dunn and Anton Vigenser, the swells now being experiences at Portsea beach have turned it into an ocean beach, I wouldn't let my young son in the water here anymore.

“Recent erosion at Portsea Beach demands serious study by Government and the Port of Melbourne Corporation,” says Anton Vigenser, Greens candidate for Nepean.

“The beach is now looking worse than when the erosion began. The area has become a construction zone with all the associated rubbish. Wire, plastic and materials that can cause harm to marine wildlife are lying on the beach. With summer one month away the pressure to ‘fix’ the beach is mounting. Corners cannot be cut.”

Portsea beach has changed from a beautiful bay beach to a man made construction zone, no longer a beach in the true sense, it's more like an embankment.

Greens Candidate for Eastern Victoria, Samantha Dunn said “The changes are recent and aren't because of seasonal storms, locals report to me we’ve seen our beach and the bay change before our very eyes.”

“Locals and tourists are gob-smacked. Our once natural beach is now fast becoming ‘man-made’. Many are seriously worried about the scale and planning behind the earth works, and doubt it will even work,” Anton Vigenser said.

“Sue Pennicuik, Greens upper house MP released a report which analysed tidal data from the Port of Melbourne and the research supports what so many residents, swimmers, divers and other businesses in the southern part of part Phillip Bay have been reporting since channel deepening: that tides are higher in the south of the Bay.”

“Despite this, the Port Authority still denies any links, pointing the finger solely at weather. Preliminary analysis of wind data from the past ten years suggests that wind beach erosion, particularly at Portsea was not caused by seasonal weather events alone.”

“A lack of evidence is not a reason to dismiss the erosion. The government was warned by scientists at the time. The government picked and chose what to use in the Environmental Effects Statement. Now our beaches are under increased threat.”

“The surging swells at Portsea have impacted our tourism industry, and will make it less safe for swimming this summer. Swell will also be the greatest problem to overcome when attempting to fix our beach,” Anton Vigenser said, “This is a burden that has cost our community more than just money.”

“We desperately need more data about tides, swells, currents and weather events,to know for certain what is happening,” said Samantha Dunn , “The tragedy is the five metres of sea bed and rock can't be replaced at the entrance and Port Phillip Bay and Portsea Front Beach may be permanently damaged".

samantha in the press - public transport

2010-10-26T17:15:00.000+11:00

Ticket to ride
Upper Yarra and Mountain Views Mail
by Kath Gannaway
26 Oct 2010

it's got to stop joe

2010-10-23T21:28:00.013+11:00

Earlier this week I joined with community members outside the offices of Joe Helper, Minister for Agriculture and in charge of VicForests, to protest to the ongoing logging in the Central Highlands, I was there representing the Shire of Yarra Ranges (I am a councillor there).

The Shire of Yarra Ranges council is opposed to the logging of Melbourne's water catchments and is also opposed to logging where it has significant effects on the local economy, tourism features and the environment. Thanks to Brent Lukey for the image.

The protest was to highlight the ongoing destruction caused by logging burnt and green forests in the Central Highlands, an already fragile environment due to the Black Saturday fires.

Much wood has been logged after the fires, causing untold damage to the forest. Local residents angry about the constant stream of logging trucks on roads, angry about logging on prominent ridgelines in tourist towns and angry that the forests haven't been given a chance to regenerate naturally.

Thanks to Brent Lukey for this image.

Logging has also occurred in the Armstrong Catchment, one of Melbourne's closed water catchments, contrary to the advice given in the BAER report (a report from experts about how to best to deal with environmental impacts post fire).

Huw Slater, Greens candidate for Seymour, was there too.

The BAER report urged conservation action for a number of endangered species at risk, warned against salvage logging and also stated that no more than 236 hectares of burnt forest should be salvage logged. Contrary to this advice the government allowed more than 10 times this amount of forest to be logged setting our endangered species on a short trail to extinction.

The Greens want to see an end to industrial scale logging of our native forests. The role the forests play in securing water, storing carbon and maintaining a healthy biodiversity is far more critical than logging the forests for woodchips.

It was good to see today that the CFMEU agrees that there needs to be transition out of native forests and in to plantations. Plantation timbers can supply our timber needs and the Greens support a proper transition to assist those workers, their families and communities to move from native forest logging to plantation timber.

a public transport plan for the east

2010-10-23T20:31:00.006+11:00

I joined with Greg Barber MLC, Greens spokesperson for Public Transport, and Damian Magner, Greens candidate for Eastern Metropolitan to launch the Greens Public Transport Plan for the East of Melbourne at a mock station in Doncaster.

Pictured left to right: Samantha Dunn - Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria, Greg Barber MLC - Greens spokesperson for Public Transport and Damian Magner - Greens candidate for Eastern Metropolitan. It's a disgrace that commuters in the outer east have to wait 30 minutes for train services and up to an hour for connecting bus services, The Greens are committed to fast, frequent, well connected, safe and accesible public transport.

It was a fitting place for the launch, at the old council offices, built in 1892, sited there as it would be right on the railway line, the people of Doncaster have been waiting for their railway line ever since.

Initiatives in the plan that specifically cover Eastern Victoria include:
>Duplication of the single track sections of the Lilydale and Belgrave Lines (the Belgrave line will be limited to Upper Ferntree Gully due to significant topograhical constraints and environmental impacts)
>Triplication of the Box Hill to Ringwood line - this will allow more express services to Lilydale and Belgrave
>A new train station at Hull & Mooroolbark Rds on the Lilydale line
>Implementation of all of the recommendations of the Bus Service Review
>Ensuring all vehicles and stations are fully accessible to all
>Establishing a Public Transport Authority to plan, manage and integrate all public transport services across Victoria

If you'd like to know more about the Greens Public Transport Plan for the East, click here.

Public transport neglect

2010-10-20T23:54:00.003+11:00

Samantha Dunn – Upper House candidate for Eastern Victoria
20 October 2010

“It is scandalous that commuters in the East have to wait 30 to 40 minutes in the off peak time for a train and in some cases over an hour for a connecting bus service, this shambolic service has enormous impact on the quality of life for residents in the outer east, “said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria, at the Eastern Transport Coalition Public Transport Forum held in Mooroolbark.

“It is the Greens who are strongly committed to fast, frequent, well connected, safe and accessible public transport for the East. It’s important that duplication to single track sections of the Lilydale and Belgrave lines are completed and that rail crossings are removed as they impact on the smooth running of frequent rail services,” Samantha said.

“The Greens support raising basic minimum standards for frequency and span of hours for all bus routes, not just those close to the city.”

“We see considerable inequities in public transport ticketing with the Country Fare along the Upper Yarra corridor, the Greens believe in fair and equitable access to public transport and will work to abolish this inequity for these communities.”

“Public transport should be integrated, buses should meet trains, even simple things like header boards at Belgrave and Lilydale station so the bus drivers know which train is arriving. It’s difficult for them to tell with train delays which train is actually arriving and which passengers they’re supposed to be connecting with.”

“The Greens do have a well considered plan for the people of the East, we know that it is important to get our public transport system working well to respond to the challenges of an aging population, peak oil and climate change. We aren’t wedded to the fossil fuel lobby, cars and freeways as a solution.”

samantha in the press - logging

2010-10-20T23:17:00.000+11:00

Timber industry worried they will become a bargaining chip
ABC Gippsland
by Cath McAloon
20 Oct 2010

samantha visits stratford

2010-10-17T22:35:00.000+11:00

I was great to join with Greens candidate for South Gippsland, Kate Jackson, at Earthfest in Stratford. People came from near and far to learn more about sustainability and land management.

The Greens had a stand there, locals were keen to chat about our policies and were pleased to see election candidates visit their area.

It was great to see waterways full and pastures lush, it's a great part of Victoria and plays a key role in our agricultural production.

greens commit to ringwood station upgrade

2010-10-16T22:56:00.000+11:00

It was terrific to hear Greens candidates commit to the upgrade of the Ringwood Station at a public transport candidate forum this week.

Ringwood Station is well overdue for an upgrade, it's ramps don't comply with DDA requirements making it near impossible for people with a disability to negotiate the station with dignity.

Pictured left to right: Damian Magner - Greens Candidate for Eastern Metropolitan, Samantha Dunn - Greens Candidate for Eastern Victoria, Cr Alex Makin - Mayor, City of Maroondah and Margaret Stephens - long time community advocate for accessible public transport with the missing piece of the public transport jigsaw in Ringwood.

The functionality and accessibility of Ringwood station plays a key role in enhancing travel along the Lilydale and Belgrave lines as it is a key interchange station between to two lines

The Greens are committed to a fast, frequent and well connected public transport system. Accessible, safe and fully staffed railway stations play a key role in that.

Upon hearing the announcement, Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin said, "I am absolutely delighted The Greens have pledged their support to transform Ringwood Station into an accessible, safe and integrated public transport hub."

Time to put real funding towards mental health

2010-10-13T13:18:00.001+11:00

Samantha Dunn – Upper House candidate for Eastern Victoria
13 October 2010

Almost half the population will experience a mental health disorder at some time in their life, but the funding to address this critically important area is totally inadequate according to Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria after attending a Mental Health Week event in Lilydale.

“We know that up to 50% of substance abuse problems in young people are preceded by mental illness, we need to break the cycle, invest in the future of our society and start to put some badly needed resources into mental health services.”

Only around one third of people with a mental illness use health services for their mental health problem.

“We need a significant boost in the mental health budget with a focus on community prevention, recovery centres and early intervention programs,” said Samantha.

“The Greens will prioritise badly needed early intervention services as advocated by Australian of the Year, Professor Patrick McGorry, ” concluded Samantha

harnessing a proud past to build a sustainable future

2010-10-10T12:06:00.008+11:00

Samantha Dunn – Upper House candidate for Eastern Victoria
10 October 2010

“The Latrobe Valley has a proud tradition of delivering reliable energy supply to Victorians. The Greens want to build on that tradition and take it forward to meet the challenges posed by climate change and embrace opportunities and benefits for the Valley and the rest of Victoria,” said Samantha Dunn, Greens Upper House Candidate for Eastern Victoria at a community action outside Hazelwood Power Station today.

Samantha Dunn marching towards Hazelwood Power Station to deliver a statement provided by Greens Senator, Christine Milne.

People from across Victoria came to Hazelwood today in support of change. “We know there must be a transition from coal fired power to renewable energy, our focus must be on zero emissions and we only have a few decades to achieve that,” said Samantha.

Other Greens candidates were there, pictured here from left to right are: Janet Rice - Footscray, Nick Carson - Doncaster, Samantha Dunn - Eastern Victoria and James Earle - Eltham.

“The fundamental driver to change is achieving real targets that will reverse our ever increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The Greens are committed to targets that will drive changes and improvements across our economy to
protect the planet from irreversible damage. We want to see a 40% reduction of emissions by 2020 and zero emissions by 2050.”

Part of the day included a "human solar array", concentrated solar thermal is currently providing base load energy in other countries.

“It is the Greens who have the political will to secure a sustainable and just future for all Victorians. It is the Greens who are committed to workers and their families and we bring that proud record to the Latrobe Valley. Together, we can change and improve Victoria’s energy industry for the benefitof the Valley and all Victorians,” concluded Samantha.

desalination will cost us dearly

2010-10-06T09:54:00.004+11:00

Samantha Dunn – Upper House candidate for Eastern Victoria
Neil Rankine – Lower House candidate for Bass

“The only time the true price of desal water will be revealed to Melburnians, is when it arrives on their bills,” said Greens upper house candidate Samantha Dunn as she joined with Neil Rankine, candidate for Bass on the steps of parliament at Watershed Victoria's, 'Scrap the Desal' rally. “Only then will Victorians realise they’ve been duped by Brumby and his Ministers into believing the desalination plant is the answer to Melbourne’s water woes”, said Samantha.

Samantha Dunn and Neil Rankine at the Scrap the Desal Rally on the steps on parliament.

The Greens know there are much better options for securing water for Melbourne, it rains more in Melbourne than what Melburnians consume. A recent 2007 study found “rainwater tanks are five times more energy efficient than desalination plants. Most Australian houses are suitable for a rainwater tanks and in Melbourne 72% of existing houses have potential for a rainwater tank whilst fewer than 6% of the houses in Melbourne have water tanks.”

From left to right: Sue Pennicuik - Greens MLC for Southern Metropolitan, Samantha Dunn - Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria, Greg Barber - Greens MLC for Northern Metropolitan and Neil Rankine - Greens candidate for Bass.

“People are starting to realise that the government is making us pay dearly for fresh water, produced in the most expensive and carbon intense way, only to have it flushed down our toilets. There is more than enough recycled water available to flush every toilet in Melbourne and run most businesses, but at the moment this precious resource is being flushed out to sea”, said Mr Rankine.

The Greens have a sensible water policy to secure Melbourne’s future water supply. Water conservation, re-use and recycling should be prioritised over energy and capital-intensive strategies such as seawater desalination or long-distance pumping. It is possible for our cities and towns to use a diverse range of water sources including tanks, urban storm water and recycled wastewater, to achieve water supply security and waterway health.

“We can pay out the Brumby government's contracts with the desalination consortium, secure our water supplies and still be better off, according to Kenneth Davidson, former economics editor for The Age newspaper. Water supplies can be secured from recycling already underway and from stormwater harvesting projects as upgrades to Melbourne's stormwater infrastructure is undertaken”, said Mr Rankine.

The desalination plant will create 1.2million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions during operation. It will generate an additional 70,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing waste from the plant. It will intake 380,000 small marine organisms per second whilst discharging 8,800 litres of brine per second.

“Not only is this an economic disaster for the family budget it is an environmental disaster for Victoria’s coastline,” said Samantha.

“The desalination plant will cost tax payers dearly. Not only in a $5.1 billion construction bill and escalating water costs. It will dump 50,000 tonnes of toxic waste every year and secure big profits for overseas companies - why would we want it?” concluded Samantha.

samantha in the press - fire preparedness

2010-10-05T23:46:00.000+11:00

Warning Call
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
5 Oct 2010

early warning systems

2010-09-30T15:42:00.003+10:00

Earlier this week I went to a meeting organised by hills group, the Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group, who were demonstrating the latest Early Warning System technologies.

The Group are looking for support for this infrastructure to be installed in the Dandenong Ranges. The system demonstrated is different to a typical siren system as it is voice enabled and runs via internet protocols.

The Early Warning System technology is an important part of the bushfire response, the government needs to work swiftly to investigate these modern alerting applications. We need to give fire prone communities as many options as we can to response to bushfire and Early Warning Systems are one of the tools available in response to an emergency.

The Greens support the introduction of Early Warning Systems and recognise the important role they play in assisting our communities.

samantha in the press - public transport

2010-09-15T16:53:00.000+10:00

Has Brumby short-changed commuters on the Lilydale line?
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
15 Sep 10

samantha in the press – public transport

2010-09-08T21:15:00.000+10:00

Party plans for better train links

Leader Newspapers

by Kimberley Seedy

8 Sep 2010

Click on image for story

buses and trains should meet

2010-09-01T22:57:00.002+10:00

The Greens will establish a task force to coordinate bus timetables with trains and trams.

A recent study by the Public Transport Users Association shows the average wait between train and bus connections is between 11 and 20 minutes, however in the outer areas of Melbourne commuters know it can be as long as 60 minutes.

One of the easiest ways to speed up travel times is to tackle the disconnect between buses and trains, this would also relieve pressure on suburban railway car parking which is becoming a big problem across the region.

At the moment nobody has the job to coordinate between the trains and buses and there's no solution in sight. The Greens would establish a task force with access to the right tools and international expertise.

Long waits at stations make people feel unsafe and parents are also concerned about their teenagers waiting around for bus/train connections for long periods of time. Under the Greens plan the bus driver would be waiting for commuters as they get off the train.

At the coming state election, The Greens will seek a mandate to fix public transport, across Melbourne and across Victoria. We will create a powerful and accountable Public Transport Authority to plan, manage and integrate all public transport services across Victoria, it is long overdue.

sustainable living celebrated in morwell

2010-08-26T19:39:00.005+10:00

Last night I attended the Sustainable Living Celebration at Kernot Hall in Morwell. Locals from around Gippsland came together to hear and tell stories of sustainability, looking back at what's happened in the last year whilst looking forward to what's possible in the future.

It was terrific to talk to community members about their local groups and actions, there's certainly a great deal of enthusiasm for a more sustainable future in Gippsland. Of key importance was the development of a sustainability hub for Gippsland which would provide local economic stimulus and create new green jobs for the valley.

I look forward to talking more to locals in Gippsland as part of campaigning for the upcoming state election. They look forward to a healthy and sustainable future and that's what the Greens can deliver.

greens victory

2010-08-22T14:45:00.005+10:00

What a terrific election result for the Greens.

Me with Adam Bandt at campaign HQ in Fitzroy.

Congratulations to Adam Bandt, our first Green to win a seat in the House of Representatives in a General Election and to Dr Richard di Natale, Victoria’s first Greens Senator.

Me campaigning in Warburton with Dr Richard di Natale last week.

You will do us proud and help to make this country a forward thinking, compassionate and progressive place to live.

preferences explained - make your vote work for you

2010-08-20T20:25:00.001+10:00

Top 10 Reasons to Vote Green this Saturday

2010-08-19T10:02:00.000+10:00

1. The Greens stand up for what’s right, not just what’s easy. Whether it’s protecting the environment, introducing universal dental care, opposing the war in Iraq or advocating for refugees to be treated humanely, the Greens are driven by values, not polls.

2. It’s the Party everyone’s heading to. The Greens are the third largest political party in Australia, with five national Senators, 22 State MPs and more than 100 local Greens councillors already playing a positive and constructive role across Australia. More than a million Australians voted Green in 2007, and we're the fastest-growing party in the country.

3. Break the deadlock in the Senate between the Government and the Opposition. Last time the Government of the day also got control of the Senate, we got WorkChoices. Or, Tony Abbott's Coalition could easily win control of the Senate, which would deliver Australians nothing but three years of deadlock. We deserve a Senate that will work for us and deliver strong, sensible action – not just spin.

4. Provide future generations with clean air, clean water and a stable climate. The Greens will tackle climate change by putting a price on carbon for big polluters in the next term of government. It’s time we created new clean energy jobs and started investing in the economy of the future.

5. Make legislation better. When the Coalition tried to block the stimulus package that kept Australia out of recession, the Greens passed it with added environmental and small business benefits. The Greens will do the same thing to improve the mining super profits tax.

6. The Greens have vision. When Bob Brown first spoke to the Senate about climate change 14 years ago, his Labor and Liberal colleagues actually laughed at him. Now the Greens are the only party working to end all forms of legal discrimination against Australians based on sexuality. The Greens focus on what’s right for the next generation, not just the next election cycle.

7. An environmental party. The Greens have always worked to protect Australia’s magnificent natural environment for future generations – whether that’s protecting our native forests and their wildlife, or our pristine beaches and marine ecosystems.

8. An environmental party and much, much more. The Greens stand for much more than just cutting carbon pollution, securing our water supplies and protecting our environment. Think better public schools, more funding for hospitals and fixing our broken mental health system. The Greens also drive great new ideas, like building high-speed rail between Australia’s major cities, which is now gaining momentum but would never have gotten up otherwise.

9. For a more powerful vote. Another Labor or Liberal candidate will just vote the way they’re told. With the Greens, every vote is a conscience vote. If you’re disappointed with Labor but don’t want Tony Abbott, you can send a powerful message to Julia Gillard. And if your Greens candidate doesn’t win, your vote will simply go to the next candidate of your choice at full value.

10. Bob Brown. A genuinely decent politician and the most experienced party leader in Parliament.

Together, we can let everyone know that this Saturday, the voters of Australia do have a choice, and who we vote for matters.

green loans assessors left high and dry by both labor and libs

2010-08-17T14:02:00.000+10:00

Green Loans Assessors, who should be the backbone of a whole new energy efficiency industry, have been left high and dry by both Labor and theLiberals in the election campaign.

The Greens recognise that energy efficiency is the fastest and cheapest way to reduce greenhouse emissions, reduce energy bills and improve the liveability of our homes, offices, schools and hospitals and strongly support the expansion of the sustainability assessment industry.

"The Greens are inspired by the thousands of Australians who have chosen to build small businesses to help others reduce their energy bills and their impact on the climate," Australian Greens Deputy Leader, SenatorChristine Milne, said.

"But both Labor and the Liberals have left this incredibly prospective industry high and dry.

"The Green Loans program promised by Labor before the last election wasa great idea that was mismanaged to the point of collapse.

"Now assessors, including 67 Tasmanians, face an uncertain future, with question marks hanging over the program's proposed replacement, GreenStart.

"I called last week for the government to extend the deadline for tenders from this Friday out to after the election, to at least give assessors more flexibility before making a decision about the future of their businesses. We have had absolutely no response.

"Meanwhile, the Liberal Party has confirmed that it will not support Green Start and has provided no answers on the future of any similar programs.

"While I welcome the Liberals' offer of compensation to assessors who have been left out of pocket, I cannot understand why Greg Hunt is doing nothing to ensure these generous Australians have jobs into the future.

"The Greens have proposed an array of programs to drive energy efficiency upgrades in homes, offices, schools, hospitals and industry across Australia.

"These programs will provide great employment opportunities for assessors who want to stay in the industry and expand their skills. We know from surveys conducted by the Association of Building Sustainability Assessors that the great majority in the sector want to stay in it, even though they have been treated so poorly by thegovernment and opposition.

"The clear choice for Australians who want to see energy efficiencygiven the priority it deserves, and who want to see jobs growth in building a zero emissions economy, is to vote 1 Greens on Saturday."

a week on the campaign trail

2010-08-16T21:34:00.008+10:00

A busy week on the campaign trail, my week started in Gippsland with Senator Sarah Hanson Young, Greens candidate for the Senate Dr Richard di Natale, Michael Bond candidate for Gippsland and Dr Malcolm McKelvie candidate for McMillan. Richard was there to announce the Clean Energy Plan, whilst Sarah was there to announce the Greens policy on Student I ncome Support.

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Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson on Education, says the current compromise scheme which passed through Federal Parliament earlier this year was far from perfect and has created an unfair system that doles out or denies assistance with no real reference to students' needs.

"We know many students in regional areas have missed out on access to the full rate of Youth Allowance under the new scheme,'' Senator Hanson-Young said. "For example in Yarram in Victoria, students who go to the same school and live across the road from each other get help or miss out depending on which side of the road they are on."

The week also saw a fundraiser for the Greens Casey and Latrobe campaigns at Earthly Pleasures Organic Cafe in Belgrave.

Jim and Brendan compare campaign notes.

Supporters came out to hear from our candidates, Jim Reiher (Latrobe) and Brendan Powell (Casey) who talked about the importance of campaigning to assist Dr Richard di Natale for a seat in the senate.

No fundraiser is complete without a raffle, here I'm supported by Jim and Brendan for the barrel draw. If you'd like to buy your own Greens t-shirt or other Greens merchandise to support the campaign visit http://vic.greens.org.au/shop.

On Thursday Jon Faine visited McEwen, the country's most marginal seat held by the Liberals by 31 votes, to talk to candidates from the Greens, Labor and Liberal.

Many people expressed concerns about logging in the local Healesville region. .

I spoke about the lack of emphasis on climate change from Liberal and Labor and that many in my community were telling me this was a key issue for them. Thanks to Brent Lukey for the photo.

Thursday was also a celebration of the momentous Brown Mountain decision. The Supreme Court upheld the injunction of logging of Brown Mountain where Justice Robert Osborn held that the detection of long-footed potoroos and other endangered species meant that steps must be taken to protect their habitat.

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It was a landmark decision for the environment, I gathered with Environment East Gippsland campaigners on the steps of Parliament to ask Minister for the Environment, Gavin Jennings, to respond to the Supreme Court decision.

Here I am pictured with Colleen Hartland (Greens MLC for Western Metropolitan), Michael Bond (Greens candidate for Gippsland) and Greg Barber (Greens MLC for Northern Metropolitan). The Brown Mountain decision is a great victory for those endangered species threatened by logging activities in Victoria.

Thursday also saw a Meet the Candidates Q&A for Latrobe. Curiously the candidate for the Australian Sex Party wasn't allowed to join the panel even though he was there, the Liberal incumbent Jason Wood didn't attend, which left Greens candidate Jim Reiher and the Labor candidate to talk policies whilst attendees were treated to thought provoking commentary by panel members Karen Alexander (Landcare) and Kenneth Davidson (Dissent).

Jim Reiher discusses Greens policies to locals gathered at the Upwey Hall. If you'd like to know more about the full range Greens federal policies click here.

Locals came out in force on a chilly Thursday night to hear the policy views of candidates.

Sunday saw senate candidate, Dr Richard di Natale, visit Warburton in the seat of McEwen to talk to locals about the potential for their town to have a major tourist attraction like the Otway Fly in the region.

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Locals were keen to quiz Richard about a full range of Greens policies.

Greens candidate for McEwen, Steve Meacher joined Dr Richard di Natale and me to talk to locals. It was a cold misty day in Warburton, but people were keen to talk to the Greens about the upcoming election.

If you'd like to follow the campaign in its final stages visit the Victorian Greens website here.

greens will use senate to ensure workplace fairness

2010-08-16T19:23:00.002+10:00

The Australia Greens have voiced serious concerns that a Coalition Government would bow to pressure from big business to make unfair changes to Australia's workplace laws.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens IR spokesperson, notes media reports today have highlighted how changes to industrial relations could be made without altering the Fair Work Act, risking the job security and employment conditions of many Australian workers.

"It is clear, as Professor Stewart is reported as saying today, Mr Abbott can make significant change to workplace laws, without actually changing the Fair Work Act," Senator Siewert said.

"Mr Abbott can use regulations to make unfair dismissal easier for small business or allow overtime and penalty rates to be abolished, without needing to do anything to the Fair Work Act.

"If these measures came before the Senate, the Australian Greens would act to protect the rights of workers across the country.

"The Greens have a proven track record in this area. We strongly opposed Work Choices when the Howard Government dominated the House of Representatives and the Senate, and we helped the Rudd Government introduce the Fair Work Act after the last election.

"We're committed to improving the Fair Work Act, not regressing to the bad industrial relations regime of the last Coalition Government. Thousands of Australians are more secure in their jobs today than they were under Work Choices.

"The Greens in the balance of power is the only protection against these retrograde steps," Senator Siewert said.

academy of sciences climate report exposes farce of 5% target while gillard fails to mention climate change

2010-08-16T19:17:00.002+10:00

The Science of Climate Change report released by the Australian Academy of Sciences today shows once again that both Labor and the Coalition must significantly lift their patently inadequate 5% emissions reduction targets.

The report comes as Prime Minister Gillard failed to mention climate change in her campaign launch speech today.

"Delay and denial on the climate crisis is simply unacceptable in the light of ever clearer scientific evidence," Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.

"Prime Minister Gillard and Tony Abbott are completely out of step with the scientists, with economists and with the community - it's time for them to catch up.

"The fact that the Prime Minister failed to mention the climate crisis in her campaign launch speech today speaks volumes for how seriously it is being taken by the old parties.

"Both Labor and the Coalition must lift their sights to science-based emissions reduction targets, support the Greens' call for an immediate effective carbon price, protect our forest carbon stores and start planning for a complete transformation to zero emissions.

"The Academy of Sciences report released today outlines settled science and confirms what the natural world is already telling us.

"From fires and drought in Russia to the horrendous tragedy of the flooding in Pakistan and Niger to the 260km2 island of ice that has broken off Greenland, climate change is accelerating around us.

"In now warmer Tasmanian waters, the invasive sea urchin is destroying the giant kelp beds and the rock lobster industry with them because of climate change.

"This report should put paid to any suggestion by the ALP or Coalition that they take the science seriously. If they did, they would leave their 5% target far behind them and start planning for zero emissions.

"Climate consensus was on display in the streets yesterday, as Australians demanded that the government walk with them and not with the big polluters.

"The Greens are on the side of scientists and economists who say that deep cuts in emissions and urgent action are the right scientific and economic response. Denial and delay are more expensive in human and dollar figures than the strong early action that the Greens propose.

"Whose side are Labor and the Coalition on?"

The Academy of Sciences report is available at www.science.org.au/policy/climatechange2010.html.

in the press – clean energy & youth allowance

2010-08-12T21:42:00.000+10:00

Greens launch policy in Valley

Latrobe Valley Express

by Ebonnie Lord

12 Aug 2010

greens act for national water efficiency plan

2010-08-11T10:21:00.000+10:00

In the Senate the Australian Greens will move to introduce national mandatory water efficiency standards for residential and commercial buildings after the federal election.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown will announce the new plan to help Australian cities plan for and cope with a water-restricted future at the sustainable 60L Building in Melbourne today with Victorian Senatec andidate Dr. Richard Di Natale.

"Despite many Australians' hard work reducing their water use, Australia still has the highest per capita water-use in the world," said SenatorBrown.

"With climate change we'll face a hotter drier future and we need a national plan to cope with the water crisis in our cities.

Greens Victorian Senate candidate Richard Di Natale said the hard work by householders to conserve water needed to be matched with better government regulation.

"Everyone who's lugged a bucket from the shower to their garden knows how stupid it is that still today new buildings are going up without basic water efficiency measures," said Dr. Di Natale.

"That's particularly important in commercial and industrial buildings where initial design makes a huge difference.

"100,000 litres per person of fresh water a year is too much. With more Greens in the Senate, we'll push for a better national system to conserve water."

The Greens new plan includes:
* Mandatory water efficiency standards for all new residential and industrial or commercial developments, including basic minimum water sensitive design features such rainwater capture, water efficient showerheads and a second pipe network for non-potable water
* Incentives and tariffs for developers to encourage better water sensitive design
* Increasing the ability of local councils to get funding for local public stormwater harvesting projects.

greens scholarships scheme to get our best and brightest into teaching

2010-08-10T12:58:00.001+10:00

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young

The Australian Greens will tackle the ongoing teaching shortage by using a Commonwealth Scholarships Scheme to attract our best and brightest students to work in the education system, according to Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.

Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson on Education, says the party's education plan is designed to make practical improvements to the system, such as investing to secure the future supply of good quality teachers to educate our children.

Teacher shortages are a real and serious concern in Australia, whether it is in particular subject areas or particular geographical areas, Senator Hanson-Young said.

As an example, reports suggest that half of NSW teachers will reach retirement age by 2016.

There's no time to waste, we need to start training up our next generations of teachers now.

That's why the Greens will set up a Commonwealth Scholarship scheme that will provide incentives to top students to become teachers, offering guaranteed work at the end of studies in return for staying in areas of need for at least three years.

The scheme would:
Provide up to 3000 scholarships a year, divided between states on a per capita basis
Make scholarships available for up to five years - at $5000 a year to allow students to finish degrees
Provide tax-free scholarships which would not effect eligibility for Youth Allowance Guarantee recipients a teaching job in a public school in an area of need,
Require recipients to remain in full-time employment in areas of need, such as public schools, for at least three years.

The Greens will also work to improve the levels of Asian language literacy in Australian schools. In 2008, less than 6 per cent of students in Australian learned an Asian language, and the figure is falling.

We will restore levels of Asian language literacy in Australian schools, by increasing funding to pre-Howard levels, establishing national leadership groups for the four Asian languages taught in schools and establishing partnerships with international institutions, Senator Hanson-Young said.

As part of the Asia-Pacific, Australia should be promoting the learning of Asian languages in schools, advocating to parents and their children the benefits of learning these languages and working to increasing the language skills and proficiency of students.

These two initiatives are examples of the Greens making sensible investments to generate better outcomes for Australians, Senator Hanson-Young said.

greens to kickstart clean energy sector

2010-08-09T22:57:00.005+10:00

It was terrific to join with Victorian Senate candidate Dr Richard Di Natale, out in Gippsland, as he called for the implementation of a Gross National Feed-In Tariff to kick-start the renewable energy sector in regional Victoria.

Research by Access Economics and the Electrical Trades Union has shown that a gross national feed-in tariff would lead to the creation of an additional 5,400 jobs in Victoria, particularly regional Victoria, over the next ten years.

It makes good sense, it's good for the economy, good for the environment, good for regional Victoria.

Pictured left to right: Malcolm McKelvie – candidate for McMillan, Dr Richard di Natale – senate candidate for Victoria, Michael Bond – candidate for Gippsland, Sarah Hanson-Young – Greens Senator and Samantha Dunn – candidate for Eastern Victoria (state), in front of Hazelwood Power Station, the developed world's most polluting power station. Victoria's greenhouse gas emissions from power generation are continuing to grow due to our ongoing reliance on brown coal.

Over 22 thousand jobs could be created in Australia over the next 10 years in the renewables sector if we implemented a gross national feed-in tariff.

For Victoria and in particular regional Victoria, this would translate to around 5,400 extra jobs over the next 10 years.

Renewable energy employs on average 4-6 times as many people than fossil fuel energy and most of these jobs would be in regional areas.

"So far, Federal Government initiatives have failed to stimulate the market and keep solar manufacturers within Australia. Australia's last solar manufacturer left Australian shores in April 2009. There was a time when the majority of our panels were Australian-made but now all our solar panels are imported," said Greens senate candidate, Richard di Natale.

• According to a report produced by Sustainability Victoria for the Victorian Government, a gross feed-in tariff set at 40 cents per kWh with a cap of 200,000 units would lead to $2.1 billion in investment and would generate 3,000 new jobs in Victoria by 2015. This would increase retail electricity prices by just 1%, equating to an increase of 17 cents per week for Victorian electricity consumers.

• At 60 cents per kWh, a gross feed-in tariff would generate 5,400 new jobs within Victoria in the next ten years.

• According to Access Economics, "the cumulative employment in the solar industry in Australia delivered from a gross national feed-in tariff from 2010 to 2020 is just under 40,300, compared with a cumulative 17,750 under the existing set of feed-in tariff policies. This amounts to an increase of 22,550 jobs for the forecast period."

• For Victoria, employment peaks at just below 500 per annum under existing policies, whereas under a gross state feed-in tariff, employment would peak at just under 1,200 per annum. When aggregated across the period 2010 to 2020, the existing feed-in tariff and solar credits will create around 4,200 jobs in Victoria, compared with 9,600 created by the joint operation of a gross state feed-in tariff and the solar credits scheme.

a green weekend

2010-08-08T23:04:00.016+10:00

A big weekend of green events. It started at the Kallista Market, a local community market spanning the federal electorates of Latrobe and Casey. The local Greens had a stall to promote our federal candidates Jim Reiher (Latrobe) and Brendan Powell (Casey).

Samantha Dunn (Yarra Ranges Councillor and candidate in the state election for Eastern Victoria) and Jim Reiher (Latrobe candidate) at Kallista Market, locals were keen to hear what the Greens had to say.

Saturday night saw the launch of the Latrobe and Holt campaign in Doveton.

Candidate for Latrobe, Jim Reiher and Holt, Frank di Mascolo, were joined by me and fellow Greens councillor from Casey, Cr Lynette Kelleher.

Sunday was the launch of the Victorian Greens Federal Campaign at the Northcote Town Hall. It was a day of courage and compassion with leadership and vision.

Dr Richard di Natale, the Greens lead senate candidate for Victoria, leading the charge on preventative health policies for Australia.

Steve Meacher, Greens candidate for McEwen, the country's most marginal seat with Dr Richard di Natale and Cr Samantha Dunn and Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria (state election).

Adam Bandt, candidate for Melbourne, who has the chance of taking the first lower house seat in a general election if 1 in every 10 voters changes their vote from the ALP to the Greens.

Dr Malcolm McKelvie, Greens candidate for McMillan and local GP, pictured with Greens MLC, Sue Pennicuik and Cr Samantha Dunn.

The candidates line up, an impressive bunch representing the Greens across Victoria.

labor, in reverse, adopts greens high speed rail proposal

2010-08-05T09:05:00.001+10:00

Within months of voting down a Greens Senate proposal for a study into High Speed Rail between Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, Labor has done an about turn and adopted the Greens proposal.

Greens Leader Bob Brown who has been vigorously advocating High Speed Rail throughout the election campaign, is delighted with Labor's back flip.

"However the first phase should be between Sydney and Melbourne (including Canberra), the world's third busiest air route, Senator Brown said.

Senator Brown said the Labor announcement comes despite Lindsay Tanner likening the Greens proposal to putting an Australian on the Moon on SBS Insight on Wednesday night.

farmers must be central to food security plan

2010-08-04T19:50:00.002+10:00

With food security now firmly on the Federal election agenda, it is critical to ensure that keeping farmers on the land is central to the strategy, the Australian Greens today.

The Greens are troubled that the food security plan is in danger of becoming all about consumers and food affordability without recognising the critical importance of continuing to produce food here in Australia.

"Food security is not just about consumer prices and consumer choice - it has to be about keeping farmers on the land and preserving our agricultural land," Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.

"Everywhere I go across Australia, in cities and in regional areas, people are telling me they want fresh, local, seasonal food and they want to support our farmers to produce it. This is what is behind the tremendous growth in farmers' markets across the country.

"Farmers need to receive a decent return for the food they grow. Instead, they are constantly subject to the downward pressures placed on them from cheap overseas imports and the Coles and Woolworths duopoly.

"Farmers are at a distinct disadvantage in trying to negotiate a decent price for their product with powerful processors and supermarkets.

"Governments are letting both the community and farmers down by signing up to free trade agreements that discriminate against Australian farmers, by refusing to reinstate anti-price discrimination provisions in the Trade Practices Act, by distorting the price of land with ill-thought out tax incentives like managed investment schemes and by prioritising coal over agriculture.

"In developing a food security plan, we have to prioritise the ability of our land and water to sustain agriculture and the development of policy settings that deliver a decent return to farmers so that they can stay on the land.

"With an aging farming population, there is a desperate need to find ways for young people to go on the land and be able to afford to buy land. They are now competing with agribusiness and often overseas corporate interests.

"There is a real danger that, if the debate focuses exclusively on lowering food prices to the consumer, we will see Australian producers closed down because they can't compete with cheaper food from overseas produced in environmentally and socially damaging ways.

"The short-sighted strategy of focussing on cheaper food from overseas leaves Australia completely vulnerable to the whims of overseas food producers and availability in a world increasingly challenged on food security.

"The plan must build in the impacts of climate change and peak oil from the start. These two crises will have a massive impact on agriculture and cannot be swept under the carpet."

in the press - logging

2010-08-03T21:38:00.000+10:00

All sides chip in
Mail Newspapers
by Kath Gannaway
3 Aug 2010

greens national health plan

2010-08-02T20:22:00.003+10:00

The Greens' National Healthcare Plan,
based on early intervention and prevention strategies, has been launched today in Perth and includes:
* Denticare - a national dental care scheme to end the waiting list of 500,000 Australians
* Incentives for more rural dental workers (including HECSrebates)
* A Minister for Mental Health
* $350 million per year for mental health
* $58.5 million over 4 years for rural mental health
* Better hearing screening to prevent or limit hearing loss -including assistance for Indigenous communities
* A 1.5% levy on junk food and alcohol advertising
* An end to junk food ads in children's TV viewing hours, until 9:30pm
* Traffic light labelling so shoppers can select healthier foods
* A floor price plan for cigarettes
* A safe alcohol consumption public education program

Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens Health spokesperson said "The Greens want to convert Australia's health system to one based on wellness not sickness."

"We need to be keeping people well and out of hospital.

"The combined cost of poor health and the associated social impacts from tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, and poor dental, mental and hearing health is $138.75 billion per year.

"Keeping people well not only provides a far better quality of life but it is less expensive.

"Our range of policies are designed around preventive health which is a much more sensible approach to healthcare," said Senator Siewert.

Greens Leader Bob Brown, in Perth for the launch, and himself a former GP said, "The Greens are leading both older parties in improving health care as today's Medical Journal of Australia revealed a huge problem with obesity for the nation."

greens launch national election campaign

2010-08-01T18:33:00.003+10:00

The Australian Greens election campaign was officially launched by Leader Senator Bob Brown today in Canberra.

Senator Brown said the Australian Greens, unlike Labor and the Coalition, offered voters stability, leadership and vision.

"The Greens record in the Senate demonstrates our ability to negotiate and deliver outcomes for the community when the Coalition has said no," said Senator Brown.

"We will continue to pursue innovative policies like High Speed Rail, an idea which the majority of Australians support," said Senator Brown.

A new Galaxy Research poll of 1009 people released today found that 74% of Australians are in favour of a High Speed Rail link between Australian capital cities.

"Today I am also announcing two new polices that show the Greens are the party that thinks about the future, cares about people and will stand up for the environment.

"The Greens call for a new National Marine Reserves Plan to protect 30% of our marine reserve areas from all extractive uses such as oil and gas exploration, whereas today less than 5% is protected.

"The Greens will also move to amend the Fair Work Act to extend the right to request flexible working arrangements for all carers.

"This entitlement is currently limited to parents of preschool age children and carers of children with disabilities. In extending to all carers, this right will include, for example parents caring for adult children with disabilities or people caring for elderly parents.

"This election the Greens are working hard for a historic breakthrough in the House of Representatives, but we are also the choice for voters who want to prevent an Abbott-controlled Senate."

greens oppose second lot of draconian stop and search powers

2010-07-31T08:55:00.000+10:00

Greens MLC, Sue Pennicuik

For the second time in seven months, the parliament has passed legislation to dramatically increase police powers to stop and search people. The Greens opposed the expansion of the laws in parliament yesterday as they opposed the first bill late last year.

"One of the worst aspects of the new laws is that police will now be able to search children of any age and people with impaired intellectual functioning, in an unplanned designated area, without a parent, guardian or independent person present," said Ms Pennicuik. "It is unbelievable to me the Labour, Liberal and National parties can vote to remove these protections just to make it easier for the police."

"This is an outrageous violation of human rights generally, the rights of the child and the rights of people with disabilities," Ms Pennicuik said. "It is completely unwarranted and simply indefensible."

Under the first set of increases to coercive powers, which came into effect in January, police were given the authority to randomly search citizens without reasonable belief, going even further than the UK anti-terrorist laws. The random search legislation is so broadly drafted it can also be applied to lawful protestors. The latest legislation relaxes even further the circumstances under which random searches of citizens may occur.

"In preparing to debate that bill I studied jurisdictions around the world that already have such regimes. It points to their ineffectiveness and the almost guaranteed negative outcomes of such legislation," she said. "Regrettably, the government ignored that wealth of research and has introduced laws that not only breach the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and responsibilities, but have also been shown to be ineffective."

During the debate last night Ms Pennicuik again moved a reasoned amendment to have the bill removed from Parliament until a comprehensive review of the new powers, introduced in January, could be undertaken.

"I moved this amendment, as I did previously under the first bill, because these are very serious issues, and our approach must be evidence based, not based on manipulation of the community anxiety," Ms Pennicuik said.

The legislation has also come under fire for removing several police reporting requirements.

"There is no justification for doing away with record-keeping," Ms Pennicuik said. "The government keeps saying, without evidence, that these powers are required. Well how will we know when the act no longer requires full record keeping?"

"It is unfathomable that the government is taking Victoria down this road particularly as Victoria enjoys a relatively low crime rate," Ms Pennicuik said. "The government's populist stance is resulting in negative outcomes for Victorians, with policies that simply do not address the causes of crime."

record investment in solar? record rate of pulling money out of solar!

2010-07-30T22:02:00.002+10:00

Greens Senator Christine Milne

Far from their advertising slogan of 'record investments in solar and other renewables', the Labor government is pulling money out of solar power at a record rate, the Australian Greens said today.

In addition to the $220 million pulled out of the Solar Flagships program and $150 million from solar hot water rebates to fund cash for clunkers, the Greens have learned that the world renowned UNSW Centre for Excellence in Photovoltaic Research has been de-funded.

At the same time, the Liberals are proposing cuts to climate programs as part of their savings initiatives, leaving the Greens as the only party with credible policies for climate action.

"The government is cynically using Australians' love of solar power as an advertising slogan while ripping money out of what little funding programs they have," Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.

"After three years of ALP government, the Australian renewable energy industry is still struggling to compete with entrenched coal while, around the world, renewables are booming.

"The renewable energy industry has lost count of the number of times new programs have been announced and suddenly disappeared, to be replaced with new labels which still don't receive the funding promised.

"The uncertainty this causes means investment has stalled, and jobs and opportunities lost.

"The UNSW Centre for Excellence is celebrated around the world for its innovation. It trained the world's first solar billionaire, Dr Zhengrong Shi.

"But with renewable energy clearly such a low priority for both the government and opposition, there is no direct funding of the centre and the ongoing research funding has not been renewed.

"Australian governments have repeatedly made millions available to coal companies and car companies. Why are they so reluctant to actually properly fund world-leading renewable energy innovation, even though they are happy to claim credit for doing so?

"The Centre for Excellence is an investment of a few million dollars a year to create some 70 jobs, a great global reputation and, of course, wonderful technologies that will help us tackle the climate crisis.

"The Greens are the only party that has the vision to take Australia beyond coal, looking to plan the transition to 100% renewable energy and implement the policies to get us there."

greens only party leading on climate change

2010-07-26T17:20:00.003+10:00

Dr Richard Di Natale VICTORIAN GREENS

Voters looking for strong leadership are moving to The Greens after the major parties continue to play politics with climate change, says Dr Richard Di Natale, Greens Senate Candidate for Victoria.

"The Greens are the only party with the courage to take real action on climate change," says Dr Di Natale.

"Last night's debate exposed the monumental failure of leadership from both the old parties on an issue that Australians are deeply concerned about.

"This talk of citizens assemblies and green armies are just distractions from the real action this country needs on climate change – The Greens' carbon tax, which Labor's own advisor Ross Garnaut supports.

"The real winner of the leaders debate last night was long term Greens leader Bob Brown – both the new leaders, Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott, had their chance to show leadership on climate change, but chose instead to spout empty clichés."

Dr Di Natale's comments come after today's Galaxy Poll shows The Greens are on 15%, almost double what they polled in the 2007 election.

"Polls come and go, but I do feel a groundswell moving towards The Greens because voters wants leadership, and The Greens are the only party to provide it in this time of poll driven politics," says Dr Di Natale.

gillard "moving backwards" on climate crisis

2010-07-23T19:22:00.002+10:00

Greens Senator Christine Milne

Prime Minister Gillard's climate change policy announced today is an excuse for more delay on the climate crisis, the Australian Greens said today.

"Prime Minister Gillard is showing a complete lack of leadership on the climate crisis," Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.

"The Greens stand ready to work with a re-elected Gillard government to deliver a carbon price fast, and the community is clamouring for action, but the Prime Minister is making excuses for more delays instead of embracing the opportunity.

"Ms Gillard's announcement today does nothing to give certainty to business. Meanwhile, China is moving fast towards a carbon price and India already has a tax on coal, leaving Australia far behind.

"What we have heard from the Prime Minister is recycled rhetoric from the past four years, a repeat of Labor's old failed climate approach, not any commitment to real action.

"Ms Gillard's talkfest is nothing more or less than trying to re-educate the community about the fatally flawed emissions trading scheme.

"We already have 150 people being elected right now to debate and make decisions on climate change – it's called Parliament, Prime Minister.

"Leadership on climate would have seen the Prime Minister saying 'no more coal'. Instead, her promise on emissions standards for coal fired power stations is meaningless.

"There are 12 coal fired power stations on the books for Australia right now and Prime Minister Gillard's promise will not apply to these.

"The UK recently dropped its commitment to making new coal fired power stations 'carbon capture ready', acknowledging that it was meaningless. Instead they have committed to building no more coal fired power stations unless and until carbon capture is proven and adopted.

"Whilst the Greens welcome the Prime Minister's announcement of $1billion for the renewable energy grid, this is a drop in the ocean over 10 years. Compares it to the $2.5 billion already allocated to carbon capture and storage and it is patently nowhere near what is needed to drive a renewable energy revolution.

"For all of this year, the government has argued that it will not move on a carbon price because it does not have the Senate numbers to do so.

"Prime Minister Gillard is now saying that she will not support the Greens' proposal for a carbon levy even the Greens and Labor have the numbers to deliver one in the new Senate because we have to wait for her talkfest to finish.

"The community will not accept that excuse and neither will the Greens."

winter warmer dinner

2010-07-22T10:55:00.011+10:00

You are invited to come and support the Dandenong Ranges Greens campaign for the federal seats of Latrobe & Casey by joining with us at our Winter Warmer Dinner. Enjoy delicious food, congenial company and live music.

Where: Earthly Pleasures Organic Cafe
1627 Burwood Highway, Belgrave
A short walk from the Belgrave train station

.
When: Wednesday 11 August at 7pm

Cost: $38 per head or $50 keen green

To Book online: http://www.jimreiher.com/

or email: dandenongrangesbranch@vic.greens.org.au

or phone: 0429 29 29 04

Featuring Jim Reiher Greens candidate for the federal seat of Latrobe

Brendan Powell Greens candidate for the federal seat of Casey and

Jo Tenner Greens candidate for the state seat of Monbulk

I'll be your MC for the night.

This event is hosted by the Dandenong Ranges Branch of the Greens with all funds raised going toward our Latrobe and Casey election campaigns.

replace hazelwood word spreads

2010-07-21T23:31:00.004+10:00

Last weekend I joined with Dandenong Ranges community members concerned about Hazelwood Power Station. The event was part of the Replace Hazelwood National Day of Action.

I was joined by over 30 locals who staged a sit in and then marched around Belgrave to highlight the issue.

Hazelwood Power Station, originally commissioned in 1959, is the developed world's dirtiest power station, responsible for 15% of Victoria's total greenhouse gas emissions and 3% of Australia's emissions.

In speaking to the group I talked about the alternatives to coal fired energy including wind and solar, with already proven technologies and the need to start planning a transition. I also talked about the need for a comprehensive energy retrofit across the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. Efficiency measures implemented in smelters would translate into important reductions in energy consumption.

The development of alternative fuels and small scale electricity generation are also part of the mix, not to mention compliance ratings for energy efficient buildings.

I went on to talk about the Zero Carbon Australia Stationary Energy Plan, published by the Melbourne University Energy Institute and Beyond Zero Emissions.

A peer reviewed plan, it maps out a transition to 100% renewable energy in the space of 10 years. It is a plan that must be looked at seriously by government as a way to make the deep and necessary cuts to greenhouse gas emissions that the scientists are telling us we need to make.

The people of the Dandenong Ranges came out to show that they want to see a transition from coal fired power to renewable energy. We need a positive response to support our energy needs into the future. That's a future based on renewable energy and a reinvigorated manufacturing industry. What we need is a transition plan out of old fossil fuel technologies to a bright new and secure future in the manufacturing and the renewable energy sector.

in the press - replace hazelwood

2010-07-21T10:59:00.001+10:00

Protest highlights power station
By Tania Martin
Mail Newspapers
20 Jul 2010

greens announce junk food and alcohol advertising levy

2010-07-21T10:52:00.002+10:00

The Australian Greens have called for a levy on junk food and alcoholadvertising similar to the levy which has applied in France since 2004.

Launching the policy with Victorian Greens Senate candidate, Dr Richard di Natale in Melbourne today, Greens leader Bob Brown said thea dvertisers could choose the option of including health information in their advertising or pay the levy.

"This type of levy has been working in France since 2004. Australiashould not allow junk food and alcohol companies to make billions at the expense of the health and well being of Australians," Senator Brown said.

"The alcohol industry spends $109 million on advertising per year while fast food companies are among the top 50 advertisers in Australia, spending around $165 million on advertising per year."

"At the same time the costs to individuals and the community as a result of consumption, in terms of health effects, social costs and lost productivity, of these products is enormous. Alcohol use in Australia costs $15.3 billion and obesity costs are estimated to be around $58.2 billion," Dr Di Natale said.

The levy could potentially raise around $4 million in revenue for A Health Promotion Advertising Fund, under the National Preventive Health Agency. It would be used to provide health information to consumers through social marketing campaigns," said Dr Di Natale.

The Greens will introduce legislation to:
* Introduce a requirement to include health information on alcohol and junk food advertising (the standards and nature of the health information to be determined by a National Preventive Health Agency);
* Provide advertisers with an option to pay a 1.5% levy on alcohol and junk food advertising rather than include the informationthemselves;
* Create a Health Promotion Advertising Fund to allocate the funds for health information and to replace alcohol or junk food sponsorshipin community sports clubs.

greens support building workers protesting abcc

2010-07-20T13:54:00.002+10:00

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert

The Australian Greens today put their support behind the building and construction workers rallying around Australia for the removal of the undemocratic building and construction laws at the time when a worker is facing goal for taking a stand against the ABCC.

"The Greens remain committed to the principle of one law for all workers. Australians working in the building and construction sector should not be singled out for more punitive treatment," Senator Rachel Siewert said today.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson for Employment and Workplace Relations says the Building Construction Industry Improvement legislation has now been in operation longer under the Labor Government that it was under the Howard regime.

"The Greens have proven our commitment to workplace equality, but the Government and Coalition have failed to do so. We helped negotiate the end of Work Choices and we will not be letting the Government 'forget' about its promise on the ABCC.

"The ALP Government was elected to remove inequality in Australian workplaces. That commitment was made to thousands of Australian workers and their families and it cannot be ignored.

"The Greens continue to be the only party truly standing up for the rights of building workers in this country," concluded Senator Siewert.

preferences – take control of your vote

2010-07-19T23:39:00.005+10:00

FICTION: A vote for The Greens is just a vote for Labor

FICTION: If you vote Green, you 'risk' Tony Abbott.

FACT: Your vote is your choice. You determine where your preferences go.

If the Greens are not elected, it is you, not any political party, who determines where your vote goes.

The Greens want to make sure that everyone can make a formal vote that best reflects their political wishes. The How-To-Vote cards that the Greens and the other parties will give you are guides, and you can choose whether or not to follow them.

Take control of your vote – click here to read how.

abbott ignorant on climate: india and china leaving australia behind

2010-07-18T16:38:00.003+10:00

Greens Senator Christine Milne

Greens' response to Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's comments at a press conference this afternoon, that China and India would not introduce a carbon price so Australia would not have to do so:

Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said:

"Tony Abbott, leader of the party of miners and deniers, clearly has no idea about what is going on with climate action around our region.

"While both Labor and Liberals dig us deeper and deeper into coal, China and India are leaving us behind. Cornering the market in coal while the world powers ahead with renewables and efficiency is about as short-sighted as it gets.

"India has already introduced a tax on coal - both domestic and imported - with the revenue to be invested in renewable energy developments. China is powering ahead of Australia in closing polluting industry and investing in renewables and efficiency.

"As developing countries, neither China nor India should be expected to act before Australia does, and yet they are both leaving us far behind them.

"If Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard continue saying Australia won't act until developing countries act, they will ensure that Australia keeps undermining moves to a global treaty. That will do none of us any favours."

Consensus with deniers and polluters is 'Waiting for Godot'

"The Prime Minister's insistence on 'consensus' is increasingly being seen as an excuse for delay and denial. She is 'Waiting for Godot' and she knows it if she wants consensus from the deniers and the big polluters.

"Julia Gillard should sideline the deniers in the Coalition and polluting industry and move to consensus with those who want action. The Greens stand ready to act with a carbon tax on the biggest polluters which can start as soon as next year."

For more on India's coal tax click here.

in the media – replace hazelwood national day of action

2010-07-17T20:48:00.003+10:00

Replace Hazelwood NDA – Belgrave Protest

Indymedia

By Flowerpower

17 Jul 2010

our disappearing forests community forum in Warburton

2010-07-17T20:25:00.002+10:00

OUR DISAPPEARING FORESTS . . .

WHY SAVING OUR FORESTS MEANS SECURING OUR FUTURE

A Community Forum with guest speakers and presenters,

greens offer stable leadership, climate change action

2010-07-17T19:03:00.003+10:00

Greens Senator Bob Brown

"A strong safe crossbench in the Senate"

"I offer the electorate experienced and stable leadership, and the progressive policies and clear vision for Australia's future which the big parties are ignoring," Australian Greens Leader Senator Brown said in Canberra today.

"Moving forward will mean a carbon tax on polluters; bringing home safely Australia's troops from Afghanistan; a universal dental care scheme; humane treatment of asylum seekers in Australia; protecting our forests and wildlife."

"This election is also about the Senate and a strong crossbench delivering better outcomes for Australians. The Greens are the responsible alternative to a deadlocked Abbott controlled Senate."

"The Greens will campaign strongly on environmental issues including climate change action, the creation of marine national parks, protecting native forests and wildlife and saving the Darling Downs farmlands from 40,000 coal seam gas drill holes and open cut coalmines," Senator Brown said.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown flew to Canberra from Sydney this morning to get the Greens' national campaign off to a flying start.

Senator Brown, who spoke last night to a packed campaign dinner in Sydney for Senate candidate Lee Rhiannon MLC, will be in Canberra and Hobart on Sunday, and Adelaide on Tuesday morning.

taxpayer funded labor government health television ads should stop immediately

2010-07-17T18:53:00.002+10:00

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert

Taxpayer funded television spots advertising the Labor Government's health package should be taken immediately off air said Australian Greens health spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert today.

The advertisements for the Government's updated health package were still on air after noon on Saturday 17th July.

"Those advertisements should have been pulled weeks ago and the money spent on mental health," said Senator Siewert.

"Now the election has actually been called there is no excuse for this misuse of public money.

"The Government should withdraw them immediately.

"Prime Minister Julia Gillard should tell the public how much these advertisements have cost all together."

replace hazelwood event in belgrave

2010-07-12T16:58:00.010+10:00

Be part of the Hazelwood National Day of Action
Saturday July 17
10.30AM to 11 AM only

Meet in front of Safeway Belgrave (Main St. Belgrave)

Bring a chair, a sit in will be held outside James Merlino's office at 1635 Burwood Highway Belgrave.

Jo Tenner, Greens candidate for Monbulk and Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria will be speaking.

Please bring your own folding chair and if possible, a 'Replace Hazelwood' sign. You definitely need a chair for this unique and very brief event.

Concerned about climate change - come along and show your support.

there is no substitute for carbon price action now – greens

2010-07-10T20:54:00.000+10:00

Senator Bob Brown

The Australian Greens want action now on a carbon price set by legislation as critical for climate change action Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said in Canberra today.

"Energy efficiency, renewable energy measures and saving forests – as already put to Parliament by the Greens - are needed but are not substitutes for a carbon price," said Senator Brown.

"There is an estimated $50 billion investment in electricity production awaiting a carbon price signal.

"We are ready to set this signal with either a Gillard or Abbott Government after the election.

"However the Gillard delay until 2012 and worse still, the Abbott delay until 2015, before putting the price mechanism to Parliament is not on.

"It leaves business uncertain.

"It leaves the Australian electorate fearful of failure on climate change.

"The Greens' option of the Garnaut-style carbon tax set up to facilitate a future carbon trading scheme is now the live option around which political debate will take place," Senator Brown said.

greens to jump start the drive to electric cars

2010-07-07T12:08:00.004+10:00

Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria Samantha Dunn today announced a new election policy on electric cars which will jump start the drive to electric vehicles, including $75 million in new funding.

The funding, which partially restores cuts made by the Federal Government to the Green Car Innovation fund, will be invested in electric vehicle development and trials, as well as recharging infrastructure.

Electric cars are a great way to secure a clean future for the Latrobe Valley. We see the rest of the world moving towards electric vehicles, but Australia is being left behind. If we want to transform to a clean energy economy, electric vehicle manufacturing provides workers and families in the Latrobe Valley with long term clean energy jobs.

Only last month the conservative government in Germany announced a plan to put a million electric vehicles on the road. Electric cars are central to moving to a clean energy economy.

We've seen little support for families in the Latrobe Valley in the existing fossil fuel industries, long term investment in the valley and into manufacturing will secure a bright future for communities and return apprenticeship training to the valley.

The Federal Labor government has cut $200 million from the green car fund and is focused on existing fossil fuel technology. The Greens want to change that.

14% of Australia's carbon pollution comes from transport and 70% of our liquid fuel is sourced overseas. Moving to electric vehicles, along with investments in public transport, will mean we can cut climate pollution, increase our energy security and keep a car industry in Australia.

A shift to electric cars powered with clean energy will also enable better management and storage of renewable energy using a smart grid.

We want a secure future for people in the Latrobe Valley, creating new manufacturing industries is a way of securing that future.

To move forward Australia needs a plan for the transition to electric cars. The Greens want to work with Federal, State and local governments to develop a comprehensive regulatory and industry policy for electric vehicles.

in the press – no marina in mornington

2010-07-05T20:49:00.003+10:00

Mornington residents rally against harbour revamp

Mornington Peninsula Leader

by Nadja Poljo

5 Jul 2010

heritage listing is meaningless as heritage property is bulldozed

2010-07-05T18:22:00.004+10:00

Greens MLC Sue Pennicuik

Greens spokesperson for Roads and Ports and member for Southern Metropolitan Region, Sue Pennicuik expressed dismay today as Linking Melbourne Authority (LMA) brought forward its plans to bulldoze part of the heritage listed Westerfield property, despite an appeal, which could result in less of the land being needed, still pending.

"I understand that the Frankston Council will be considering a motion tonight to ask LMA to wait for the outcome of the appeal," Ms Pennicuik said. "If LMA goes ahead today regardless, then that shows all Victorians that there is no due process when it comes to the road lobby.

"We now know that Heritage Victoria listing on a property or piece of valuable bushland is totally meaningless because 1) a permit can still be granted to bulldoze a freeway through them, and 2) even though an appeal has been lodged under the legislation, works can still proceed despite the appeal still pending," she said.

"The whole process around this unnecessary and expensive freeway has been flawed from the start when the consideration of public transport and other viable road upgrade options were excluded from the EES study," she said. "The Peninsula Link is little more than a 'make work' project for the LMA. It should have been abandoned when it became clear how much biodiversity will be lost along its 22km route, including habitat for the southern brown bandicoot at the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve."

"Now we hear that Joyce and Simon Welsh, owners of the historic Westerfield property in the Green Wedge south of Frankston, were notified that clearing will begin today, on 2.656 ha of the pristine remnant bushland on their property," she said. "The proposed freeway alignment will destroy most of the remnant bushland including a dam immediately south of Robinson's Road, which provides habitat for the Great Egret and other visiting birds. This should never have been allowed under the heritage listing."

I call on the Transport Minister Tim Pallas and Environment Minister Jennings to halt the bulldozing until the Heritage Council makes its decision and until vegetation offsets are in place. The Heritage Council decision could see the reduction of the area of bushland to be destroyed and could require compliance with conditions regarding the minimisation of vegetation removal and the relocation of rare plants.

"Last month, I visited the Willow Road Reserve after known populations of sugar gliders, birds and arboreal frogs were deprived of habitat or killed and hollow trees marked for retention or relocation as habitat trees were destroyed," she said.

another missed opportunity for national 10c container deposit scheme

2010-07-05T18:02:00.004+10:00

Greens Senator Scott Ludlum

Today's meeting of environment ministers in Darwin represents a missed opportunity for the Federal Government to finally act on establishing a national Container Deposit Scheme, the Australian Greens say.

"Although progress was achieved on a number fronts, there is more stalling on bringing in a nationwide beverage container deposit scheme with the Council deciding to undertake a Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement," said Greens Senator Scott Ludlam.

"This initiative has been smothered under studies for years, and this decision means further delay on a scheme we know can work and is cost effective.

"South Australia is obvious proof of this. The Northern Territory has moved to start a scheme next year, and NSW says it will proceed to create one. It's time for the Federal Government to catch up.

"I am pleased that the Commonwealth has finally relented to our calls to release the previously 'secret' reports which back an Australia-wide scheme.

"The Regulatory Impact Scheme must be the final word: now it's time to get on with it," Senator Ludlam said.

To read about the Shire of Yarra Ranges advocacy on CDL click here.

no marina for mornington

2010-07-04T23:37:00.014+10:00

Yesterday I went to the No Marina public gathering on Mother's Beach in Mornington. Over 200 community members gathered to express their concern about a proposed Marina development and planning scheme amendment, which if approved, would see a 210 boat Marina constructed in Mornington Harbour with a 210m long concrete wave screen wall, rising 4m above high tide and extensions to the heritage listed Mornington Pier.

There's no doubting that Mornington Harbour is an iconic part of Melbourne, not only to those who live locally but to visitors too. To think a 4 metre high wave wall would extend into such a beautiful vista is appalling.

The public meeting included speakers who addressed a full range of implications should the Marina proposal go ahead. Concerns were raised by local environmentalists, the Blue Wedge coalition and Master Mariner, Alan Clark.

I spoke about the importance of the planning scheme and how community members should base their concerns using the planning scheme.

The Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme Clause 21.03 says "Mornington Peninsula - Regional Role and Local Vision acknowledges the environmental values within the Mornington Peninsula and recognises that the Peninsula's coastal and foreshore areas are of special recreational significance in Melbourne". Already the council recognises the importance of the region.

The proposed planning scheme amendment would rezone the land from a Public Conservation and Resource Zone (PCRZ) to a Public Park and Recreation Zone (PPRZ).

The harbor is currently zoned Public Conservation and Resource Zone "to indicate coastal areas and other public land with high environmental value and limited capacity to absorb development". This is the appropriate zoning and I think the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council got it right when they first zoned this area.

The last thing the community want to see is a rezoning to Public Park and Recreation Zone as this will give the green light "for the more intensively utilised areas of public land, including sections of the Port Phillip Bay foreshore".

Not only that the site has an Environmental Significance Overlay and a Heritage Overlay (HO228 Mornington Pier) which "aims to conserve and enhance heritage places of natural or cultural significance and ensure that development does not adversely affect the significance of heritage places".

It is a much loved community place however should the development go ahead it will become a place restricted and not available for the public to use.

The impacts are extensive and key to that is the impact on amenity, the planning scheme is all about amenity and I encouraged community members to make sure their submissions talked about the impact on their amenity.

We heard about the environmental impacts with Master Mariner, Alan Clark, talking about the inevitability of pollutants entering the environment and sand migration from the construction of the wave wall.

There is no doubt that the development would impact on users of Mother's Beach due to increased sand accumulation, increased number of boats and increased water pollution. Also of concern the increase in traffic and congestion.

I outlined the Greens position. The Greens believe that all planning decisions should give greater weight to environmental factors, to deliver sustainable, human-scaled, livable communities.

The Greens also believe that local communities and governments need ongoing, substantive, and meaningful opportunities to participate in planning decision-making.

The Greens want to create a public assessment process to be used prior to any alienation or change of use of public land.

The Greens want a strengthening of the Environmental Effects Statement process, to enable proposals that result in a loss of biodiversity or a reduction of the areas of parks and reserves to be blocked.

I explained that councillors must be open and fair minded to both objectors and the applicant and would not be able to publicly comment on the application, however I encouraged community members to continue to contact their councillors, make public submissions and continue to highlight the issue in the local media.

Ultimately it is up to Councillors to make the decision and it is important that community members keep in contact with them.

I wished the community well in their endeavours to stop the development and planning scheme amendment proceeding.

It is a beautiful place, a stunning vista. The proposed marina is an overdevelopment of the harbour which would see an inappropriate, intensive use of public space and be an ongoing blight on the landscape.