Latest Australian Greens Media Releases

Hicks case shows need for anti-terrorism review

Bill.Honeychurch — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:05:16 +1100

The public gagging of David Hicks should be ended and Howard's heavy-handed anti-terrorism laws reviewed, according to Australian Greens Attorney General Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam.

Former Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks today told members of online lobby group, Get Up that he is fearful a new control

Junk food advertising self-regulation doesn't work

Bill.Honeychurch — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:52:45 +1100

Self-regulation by advertisers of junk food does not work and will not solve Australia's childhood obesity epidemic, according to Australian Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown.

Welfare reforms will only damage communities

Bill.Honeychurch — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:56:59 +1100

The Australian Greens today condemned the Government's move to commence welfare quarantining trials in Cannington and the Kimberley in Western Australia.

Greens Senator holds childcare roundtable in SA today

Bill.Honeychurch — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:44:50 +1100

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young hopes a roundtable meeting she is holding today with childcare providers will be an opportunity to hear first-hand what impact the collapse of ABC Learning is having on the childcare sector.

Teaching Indigenous languages important: Greens

peterj — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:29:26 +1100

Plans to restrict the use of local Indigenous languages in Northern Territory schools are a backwards step, said the Australian Greens today.

"It is clear there is a huge amount of concern over English literacy in the Northern Territory, but we need to ensure there is a
researched-based reason for any radical changes to the curriculum, particularly when it comes to language," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

"What we need is evidence based policy that works towards creating better education methods for our children. We know that to engage kids with education, schools need to be accessible, culturally appropriate and meet kids' needs. These changes don't do this."

Greens call for nationally funded skin cancer prevention campaign

peterj — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:03:39 +1100

The Australian Greens today joined calls for a long term nationally funded skin cancer prevention campaign, supporting the Cancer Council of Australia's campaign.

ANAM must stay open for 2009: Interim solution 'completely inappropriate'

peterj — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:31:48 +1100

Peter Garrett must keep the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) open next year to ensure continuing appropriate training for Australia's top young classical musicians while any long-term solution is reached, the Australian Greens said today. The Australian Institute of Musical Performance as proposed by Minister

Government needs to do more on whaling

peterj — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:23:33 +1100

The Australian Greens today called for immediate action from the Australian Government on whaling, following reports that the Japanese whaling fleet left port yesterday. "The Government's commitment to funding non-lethal whaling research mustn't stop them preparing for immediate action during the upcoming whaling season," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

Ferguson should rethink NT Nuclear Dump

peterj — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:31:38 +1100

The Australian Greens say Federal Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson should rethink plans for a nuclear dump in the Northern Territory after evidence to a Senate Inquiry revealed strong opposition from traditional owners.

Will Rudd act to save solar jobs?

peterj — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:37:57 +1100

The Rudd Government must act decisively to save the jobs of the 200 highly skilled solar cell manufacturers that will be lost with the closure of BP Solar's plant in Sydney, the Australian Greens said today. "Prime Minister Rudd faces a defining moment today in convincing Australians that he cares about climate change and the green jobs