Latest Australian Greens Media Releases

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd must guarantee Australia's aged pensioners will get some relief before Christmas, Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.

"The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer have all admitted that they could not live on the single aged pension, yet they expect Australia's 1.2 million pensioners to wait another 7 months, or longer, before they get any relief. That is unacceptable," Senator Brown said.

"If the Rudd government can afford to give out $31 billion in tax cuts, it can certainly afford to increase the single aged pension by $30 a week, which would cost approximately $1 billion a year."

"Prime Minister Rudd should guarantee single aged pensioners will get some relief before Christmas," Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young's call for a Royal Commission into immigration detention, to investigate the psychological impact of Australia's immigration policies on detainees, has been backed by a leading human rights expert.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration, of which Senator Hanson-Young is a member, today heard evidence at a Perth hearing from Curtin University's Professor Linda Briskman that a Royal Commission is required to address the negative impact of mandatory detention and to determine better immigration policies.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said: "A Royal Commission would mean we could ensure that the abuses that have occurred under mandatory detention never happen again."

"Only with the level of investigation and scrutiny a Royal Commission would bring will we see a complete picture of the damage caused by Australia's immigration policies.

"The Government must commit to providing transparency and accountability on these crucial matters of human rights and justice."

On 3 September, Senator Hanson-Young asked Immigration Minister Chris Evans if a Royal Commission could be set up specifically to investigate the psychological effects of immigration detention on children and their families.

In response, Minister Evans said the Government was "not convinced that a Royal Commission - given the cost and the diversion of resources - would be the best way forward."

Today's parliamentary inquiry hearing also heard from a number of witnesses that a Bill of Rights should be introduced in Australia to better protect human rights, including those of asylum seekers.

"Introducing a Bill of Rights is a long-standing Greens policy, and as such it is encouraging that respected experts agree that such a charter is necessary in Australia," said Senator Hanson-Young.

"Our country's treatment of asylum seekers has demonstrated the importance of putting in place a new legal framework for the protection of human rights.

"We must bring Australia into line with the rest of the world and enshrine fundamental human rights and responsibilities in law."

Senator Hanson-Young called on the Federal Government to make the necessary legislative changes to back up its pledge to create a more humane immigration policy.

"Only with formal changes to legislation will we be assured of human rights being set in stone, rather than being vulnerable to abuses."

Contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says that now more than ever, government-funded paid parental leave is a must to adequately support Australian families.

Senator Hanson-Young has responded to statements from Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan that recent global financial events could delay the introduction of such a paid parental leave scheme for Australia to beyond 2009.

"The Rudd Government, despite its track record of voting along with the Liberal Party against such a scheme, was encouragingly enthusiastic about being the Government to introduce paid parental leave when the Productivity Commission recommended it do so last week," she said.

"Fast-forward a week, and rather than the priority paid parental leave was made out to be, it's now been tossed into the too-hard basket.

"So is paid parental leave a priority for this Government, or is it not?"

Senator Hanson-Young said the global financial turmoil should not be used as an excuse to deprive Australian working parents of this important form of support.

"This Government, with its 'working families' mantra, should know how crucial such a scheme is in tougher financial times," she said.

"Now is the time to bite the bullet on paid parental leave, because now more than ever we must be supporting working families.

"Rather than leaving parents to sacrifice their hard-earned long-service, personal and sick leave and struggle through childbearing and childrearing, we must support them and protect them from economic hardship as a result of their contribution to the community - that is, the birth or adoption of a child.

"Paid parental leave is long overdue in this country - it must be a priority for the next federal Budget.
 
"It's time for the Government to come through with the goods."

Contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760
 

The mass of extinctions now underway (see IUCN red list report today) underscores the urgent need for the global community to tackle human-induced climate change, Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.

"Unlike when the dinosaurs went to extinction 65 million years ago, this onrush of mass extinctions of species is preventable. It will take coordinated international action, but action must begin at home," Senator Brown said.

"Environment Minister Peter Garrett should be leading this campaign. The most obvious first action is to stop the clear-felling and burning of native forests and woodlands, which are the habitat of scores of rare and endangered species, and which hold back megatonnes of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

"The plight of the Tasmanian Devil is a case in point. Labor governments in Hobart and Canberra are using taxpayers' money to foster clear-fell logging and to promote Gunns' pulp mill, which will lead to the destruction of 200,000 hectares of species-rich native forests. And most of the wood gained from this destructive logging ends up on ships going overseas to make throw away products.

"Right now, one of Australia's most stunning endangered species, the Swift Parrot has it prime nesting site in Tasmania's Wielangta Forest targeted for logging by Gunns, backed by both the Bartlett and Rudd governments, including federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett.

"This is a crime against nature," Senator Brown said.

Senator Brown also commented on the Australian Industry Group's submission to the government's Green Paper.

"Where is the Australian Industry Group's assessment of the number of jobs that will be lost when the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Reef and Kakadu are lost to climate change? Or its assessment of the number of green-collar jobs that will be created in renewable energy and energy efficiency under an emissions trading scheme?" Senator Brown asked.

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The Australian Greens today welcomed the legal case launched by the Wide Bay Burnett Conservation Council against Burnett Water over the Paradise Dam in Queensland.

"The Paradise Dam on Burnett River is being held up as the model for the planned dam at Traveston Crossing on the Mary River," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"This court case confirms the evidence to our Senate Inquiry late last year that heard Paradise Dam was preventing Australian Lungfish from accessing their spawning grounds, blocking access to one of the only two breeding sites of this rare and endangered species."

Senator Siewert says the Traveston Dam project needs to be halted while the court case proceeds.

"The Traveston Dam threatens the only remaining nursery for the world-famous Lungfish. The outcome of this court case is likely to rule out construction of this dam under Federal environmental laws," she said.

"I'm sure our Environment Minister, Peter Garrett will be keeping a close eye on the outcome."

"The Paradise Dam is a white elephant that should never have been built.
It has been a costly and environmentally disastrous project which has failed to deliver and continues to remain mostly empty," said Senator Siewert.

"The Traveston Dam is right out of the same mould - it is a shallow and leaky proposal which will do little to address South East Queensland's water needs. At the same time it knocks out thousands of hectares of prime food producing land on Brisbane's doorstep and threatens a host of rare and endangered species."

"To avoid another white elephant like the Paradise Dam, the Traveston Dam project should be put on hold until the findings of this court case have been heard," she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180
senator.siewert@aph.gov.au  |  www.rachelsiewert.org.au  | www.greensmps.org.au
 

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has demanded a re-think of the way Australia considers asylum seekers, with a reminder that fleeing persecution and seeking refuge is a human right enshrined in international law.

Some recent media reports have stated that 'illegal migrants' have been intercepted on the way to Australia.

"The myth that asylum seekers are illegal immigrants must no longer be perpetuated," said Senator Hanson-Young.

"A term like 'illegals' is not only offensive, but also inaccurate.

"It is not illegal to arrive in this country without a visa."

Senator Hanson-Young said that Australia had a responsibility to assist asylum seekers.

"As a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Geneva Convention on Refugees, and a country that considers itself compassionate and a champion of the 'fair go', Australia must step up to its international obligations and reputation and swiftly consider asylum seekers for refugee status."

Senator Hanson-Young expressed concern about offshore processing of asylum seekers in locations such as Christmas Island.

"The Greens and human rights organisations alike are concerned about the 'out of sight, out of mind' approach to treating people who arrive by boat," she said.

"The current policy is sustaining a two-class scheme of refugees, with those who arrive by boat severely disadvantaged compared to others.

"The negative physical and mental impact of detaining people in extremely remote detention centres is undeniable."

Senator Hanson-Young said that the Australian Government and community should reserve their judgement on asylum seekers until their checks had been completed and they had either been granted asylum or not.

"Asylum seekers who arrive by boat must be treated like any other individual seeking asylum in Australia, and undergo identity, health and security checks promptly and fairly.

"While others continue to peddle a myth of fear around asylum seekers, the Greens will continue to campaign for a fairer, more compassionate Australia," she said.

Senator Hanson-Young will be attending the Migration Joint Standing Committee's Inquiry hearing into Immigration Detention in Perth and will be available for comment.

When: Thursday 9 October (9.15am - 1pm)
Where: Legislative Assembly, Committee Office Room No. 2, 1/11 Harvest Terrace, West Perth

Contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760
 

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says Australia has a responsibility to support the people of Tuvalu, as a neighbouring compassionate nation.

The Tuvalu Government has appealed to Australia for assistance in relocating its population in the coming decades, due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.

“Sadly, the people of Tuvalu look set to become a nation of climate change refugees as the sea water rises and laps at its communities,” she said.

“Australia has a role to play in helping its neighbour.”

Senator Hanson-Young said Australia’s wealth and carbon emissions record meant it could not shirk responsibility for the impact of climate change on neighbouring nations.

“While Pacific nations emit only 0.06 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Australia is one of the highest per capita carbon emitters in the world,” she said.

“We cannot deny Australia’s complicity in this environmental crisis that is now impacting most dramatically on those whose homeland is more vulnerable to sea level rise.

“As the wealthiest country in the Pacific, Australia holds a special responsibility to help its neighbours cope with climate change.”

Senator Hanson-Young encouraged the Federal Government to continue talks with the Tuvalu Government.

“Whereas the Howard Government refused to acknowledge the existence of climate change refugees, the Rudd Government now has an opportunity to help others through forward thinking, as the government of New Zealand has begun to,” she said.

“Climate change refugees will continue to increase in number as the century develops.

“Rather than deny the reality of climate change, we must seek an understanding of the Tuvaluan people’s plight and demonstrate compassion.

“Australia can lead the global community on this humanitarian issue.”

Contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760
 

The granting of exploration approval for the Angela Pamela uranium project near Alice Springs raises the stakes in what is set to be a major confrontation between the uranium mining industry and the wider community, say the Australian Greens.

"Uranium mining anywhere is a tragedy. Uranium mining in the Alice Springs groundwater catchment is a travesty," said Senator Scott Ludlam.

"I am surprised the Paladin/Cameco consortium is so willing to pick a fight with one of Australia's most tight-knit and self-reliant communities, who have already formed the Alice Springs Angela Pamela group (ASAP), made up of medical professionals, environmental specialists, indigenous peoples and community activists."

"Mining executives in cities thousands of kilometres away seem to think their uranium mine will be welcomed with open arms by the Alice community. As people get a more accurate idea of the unique ways in which uranium mining permanently contaminates the air, land and water, I imagine the community will be delivering an entirely different message.
I'll be doing everything I can to make sure the people of the red centre get the help and support they deserve," Senator Ludlam said.

"The Greens are the only political party standing up against the toxic and obsolete uranium trade. This is the solar century, and it's time we left nuclear weapons and uranium mining in the scrapheap of history where they belong," he concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180
senator.ludlam@aph.gov.au  |  www.scottludlam.org.au  | www.greensmps.org.au
 

The Building Australia fund should be reserved for 21st century nation building, rather than massive hand outs to the mining and banking industry, said the Australian Greens today.

"The Building Australia fund is a fantastic opportunity for the Government to take the lead in our nations' future green economy," said Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam."This is money best spent on public transport, broadband, and efficient energy and water infrastructure that will help to reduce carbon emissions, which is key to Australia's long-term economic prosperity."

"COAG's suggestion that it be used instead to prop up the quarry economy is short-sighted and at odds with the overall intention of the fund," said Senator Ludlam."Pouring money into more roads and ports to service the mining industry does not benefit the majority of Australians, or help improve our long-term economic future."

"We need to be making investments in our long term future and sustainability, to ensure we are best placed for the environmental challenges that lie ahead," he concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418 401 180senator.ludlam@aph.gov.au  | www.scottludlam.org.au  |  www.greensmps.org.au
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Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said Parliament needs to provide a much closer watch over all security organisations, following revelations that the Australian Crime Commission has kept a secret file on the Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus (see page 1 of today's The Age and Sydney Morning Herald).

"The parliament needs to provide a much closer watch over all security organisations. That's how democracy works, not the other way around," Senator Brown said.

Senator Brown said that during Senate estimates last year, the head of the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Paul O'Sullivan refused to answer questions about whether any member of parliament or the federal judiciary had been under surveillance. (Hansard attached over page)

"Parliament should provide an overwatch role and careful scrutiny of security agencies. That's how the system works in the United States.

"There isn't anything intelligence agencies know which should not be known to the parliament or subject to parliamentary overview, though many matters will remain in camera." Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603

STANDING COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
23 May 2007
Senator BOB BROWN-I wonder if you could tell the committee whether in the last several years you have had under surveillance any member of parliament or any member of the federal judiciary in Australia?
Talk
Mr O'Sullivan-It is obvious that I cannot answer that question.
Talk
CHAIR-Senator, I would ask you to rephrase your questions in such a way that Mr O'Sullivan can answer them. He clearly cannot answer that question.
Talk
Senator BOB BROWN-Let me limit the question to members of parliament and put it this way: under what circumstances would you maintain surveillance on a member of the federal parliament?
Talk
CHAIR-That is a hypothetical question, and it is not appropriate. I rule it out of order. Senator Brown, do you have another question?
Talk
Senator BOB BROWN-Yes. Is there any member of the federal parliament who has been or is under surveillance by ASIO?
Talk
Senator Johnston-You are not going to get an answer to that either.
Talk
Mr O'Sullivan-ASIO targets behaviour patterns where we see threats to Australia's security and Australia's interests that are defined in the act we operate under. We adhere very strictly and we have very good internal and external monitoring arrangements to make sure that we do comply completely and legally with the provisions that parliament has passed in respect of this organisation. That is the work we do. So the answer in respect of any particular person in the country is exactly the same. We do not target groups and we do not target particular individuals, except in that respect.
Talk
Senator BOB BROWN-But I am asking, and it is very easy for you to say no to this, if there is any member of the federal parliament who presents a threat to security such that they are under your surveillance.
Talk
Mr O'Sullivan-Senator, it is not easy for me to answer that question for reasons that I thought were quite straightforward; that is, if you are going to have a security intelligence organisation and you think there are serious threats to this country, its interests and its people, then you set up mechanisms that allow that work to be carried out discreetly and in secret. And that has to be the case. You cannot have one without the other. So if you want such an organisation, then you must want proper mechanisms to allow it to do its work. Part of that mechanism of secrecy or that discretion involves not saying what we do or how we do our work.
Talk
Senator BOB BROWN-Yes, but when it comes to members of parliament, there is a very particular need for any working member of parliament to know that they are free of surveillance unless there is good reason for it. I do not know of any member of parliament who presents any threat whatever to the security of Australia. In fact, it is my experience that they are all working for the security of this country. But it is important-it is a very direct question I am asking you-that we not have that question mark that ASIO or intelligence agencies are putting members of parliament under surveillance. The reason I ask that is that there would need to be an extremely potent reason for that to happen and I am surprised you are not saying no to the question I asked.
Talk
Mr O'Sullivan-I have no further comment on your observation, Senator.
Talk
Senator NETTLE-What about the minister: are you able to answer that question?
Talk
Senator Johnston-No.
Talk
Senator NETTLE-You are not able to answer whether any member of parliament is a threat to national security?
Talk
Senator Johnston-No, because I am not the minister directly in charge of ASIO. Whilst I represent the minister, I do not have direct oversight of the agency. Secondly, it is a hypothetical question- Talk Senator BOB BROWN-No, it is a direct question I asked.
Talk
Senator Johnston-No, it is not.
Talk
Senator BOB BROWN-Yes, it is.
Talk
Senator NETTLE-Is any federal member of parliament a threat to national security? That is the question.
Talk
Senator Johnston-How on earth would I know that?
Talk
Senator BOB BROWN-I have another question to ask- Talk CHAIR-I think we will need to move on very shortly if you cannot word your questions so that there is at least a possibility of Mr O'Sullivan being able to answer them.
Talk
Senator BOB BROWN-I just want to ask: if a member of parliament comes under surveillance from ASIO, in all such cases is the minister, the Attorney-General, informed and kept briefed on the matter?
Talk
Mr O'Sullivan-That is a hypothetical and speculative question.
Talk
CHAIR-It is a hypothetical question.
Talk
Senator BOB BROWN-We do not know that is the case.
Talk
CHAIR-That is a hypothetical question.
Talk
Senator BOB BROWN-No, it is not necessarily so.
Talk
CHAIR-You will have to reword the question, Senator. It is hypothetical.
Talk
Senator BOB BROWN-Okay.
Talk
Senator NETTLE-We do not know if it is hypothetical or not because we do not have an answer.
Talk
Senator BOB BROWN-Let me ask this question: has ASIO communicated with the Attorney-General about any member of parliament?
Talk
Mr O'Sullivan-For the reasons I have already explained, I cannot answer the substance of your question. On the procedural point of your question now, the advice that I give to the Attorney about any particular matter is confidential and it should properly remain so.
Talk
Senator BOB BROWN-I am very concerned that this matter seems to be off limits, because there has to be a division between the elected parliament and the overview by the Attorney-General of ASIO. What I would expect is that there is some failsafe mechanism so that members of parliament cannot be surveilled for matters other than an obvious and clear threat to national security. It moves into the area of hypothetical only because I cannot get an answer to the first question which is whether or not members of parliament are being surveilled. I would have expected the answer to that to be no.
Talk
CHAIR-Senator, is that a question? I appreciate your comments-and it is a hypothetical comment, in my view-but you need to word it as a question otherwise we will need to move on. I notice that Senator Ludwig is keen to ask some questions.
Talk
Senator BOB BROWN-I am keen to get an answer to the process underway here. I have simply asked whether the Attorney-General has been contacted by ASIO about any member of parliament. I cannot get an answer to that question so I have nowhere else to go on the matter. But it does concern me greatly.

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Ebony Bennett
Media Advisor
Senator Bob Brown | Leader of the Australian Greens
e: ebony.bennett@aph.gov.au
m: 0409 164 603 | p: (02) 6277 3170 | f: (02) 6277 3185
w: www.bobbrown.org.au <http://www.bobbrown.org.au/>   <http://www.greens.org.au>
 

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