Greens defend universal healthcare
The Australian Greens today called for the government to split its private health reforms so that bills to means test the private health insurance rebate and the Medicare levy surcharge could be voted on independently.
Greens propose new nation-wide CSG inquiry
A new Senate Inquiry into coal seam gas across Australia has been proposed by the Australian Greens spokesperson for mining, Senator Larissa Waters.
Bank rate rises would break social contract: Bandt
Greens MP and banking spokesperson Adam Bandt has warned the banks against increasing rates following the RBA decision to keep rates on hold.
Brown puts pulp mill opposition to Chandler
Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown has today written to Mr Richard Chandler, the new investor in Gunns Ltd, recommending he look at better investment opportunities in Tasmania than the unpopular pulp mill proposal in the Tamar Valley.
Greens push for greater protection of water from CSG
The Australian Greens are continuing the fight to protect Australia’s water resources from the risky coal seam gas industry, with a public inquiry on Senator Larissa Waters’ water bill held last night in Canberra.
Government confirms AFP spying on coal seam gas protesters
Minister Joe Ludwig, representing the Attorney General in the Senate, confirmed in Question Time today that the Australia Federal Police monitors coal seam gas protesters and that the government outsources some intelligence gathering to private consultants.
SA must continue to ‘Step Up’ on mental health
The South Australian Government must ensure that its long-term priorities for the state’s mental health services do not slip off the radar when its five-year “Stepping Up” plan ends next month, South Australian Greens Senator Penny Wright said.
Greens to raise Solar Flagships in Estimates
Following today's announcement by Minister Martin Ferguson that one of two Solar Flagships projects will be reopened, Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said:
"There have been concerns raised about the Solar Flagships program from initial design through to now, adding to the urgency for getting the statutory independent ARENA and CEFC off the ground.
Is Forestry Tasmania in China selling forests at a loss?
Following a report last week that the only market for Tasmanian woodchips is China, but that the Chinese market will only be accessible at rock-bottom prices, Forestry Tasmania needs to explain why it is seeking yet another failed, debt-ridden deal.