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Senator Bob Brown
Greens to introduce legislation for National Anti-Corruption Commission
The Greens will introduce national independent anti-corruption commission legislation in the Senate next week, Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said in Adelaide today.
Senator Brown called on South Australian Premier Mike Rann to back the national legislation and establish a South Australian independent commission for anti-corruption (ICAC).
"Australia needs an independent national anti-corruption commission, to operate alongside state schemes," said Senator Brown.
Rudd, not Hatoyama, issues warrant against whale heroes
The Australian Federal Police search warrant used to raid the Sea Shepherd's Steve Irwin when it docked in Hobart this morning alleges breaches of Australian law, not Japanese law, Greens Leader Bob Brown told the welcoming crowd that had gathered to greet the ship.
"The spineless Rudd government has laid charges, including throwing of rancid butter, but the Shonan Maru 2's ‘sinking' of the whale-protection boat Ady Gil, threatening the lives of six crew members, is not mentioned," Senator Brown said.
"Tokyo has taken over Australia's Antarctic seas and whales and now it controls events in Hobart."
Greens move for ban on bank ATM fees
The Australian Greens will move to amend trade practice laws to ban Australian banks from charging $2 fees for non-customers to use Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).
Announcing the policy in Devonport, Tasmania, Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown noted that Braddon is one of Australia's most economically disadvantaged electorates.
"Major banks should be banned from charging non-customers $2 every time they want to access their own money," said Senator Bob Brown
"It's a regressive private tax - that is, it hits the poorest people hardest.
"Australia's major banks all posted multi-billion dollar profits last year and they do not need to charge the approximately $680 million they made from ATM fees.
Senate censures Government over climate program mishandling
The Senate has passed a censure motion moved by Australian Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown over the Rudd Government's mishandling of climate change programs.
An amended version of the censure motion moved by Senator Brown today was passed by the Greens and the Coalition and will now be conveyed to the House of Representatives.
This is the first time a formal censure of the Government has been passed by the Senate since 2005.
Greens to move whole of Government censure motion
Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown will today move in the Senate to censure the Government for its gross and systematic failure in the delivery of climate change programs.
The motion will also call for the establishment of a unified Ministry and Department of Climate Change and Energy.
The motion will be moved at approximately 3pm today, (Tuesday 23rd February,) following Question Time.
No censure motion has been moved or passed in the Senate in this term of office, and no censure motion has been passed in either House of Parliament since 2005.
"The censuring of the Government is not a step the Greens take lightly," said Senator Bob Brown.
"But the breadth and seriousness of the Government's mishandling of climate change programs warrants this action."
Why won't Japan meet with Bob Brown on whaling?
A message from Bob:
"This week Sea Shepherd Captain Pete Bethune was detained on board the whaling ship Shonan Maru 2, as conflict over whaling intensified.
The courageous Captain Bethune boarded the vessel in an attempt to complete a citizen’s arrest of its captain and present a $3 million bill for the sinking of the Sea Shepherd boat the Ady Gil.
Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada will visit Australia this very weekend, however, neither he nor the Rudd government have responded to my request for a meeting or calls to ensure Captain Bethune is brought safely back to Australia or New Zealand.
That’s why I am writing to you again. The Greens have introduced a bill to ban any activities associated with whaling in Australia, following earlier news that the Japanese whaling fleet hired Australian planes from Hobart and Albany to track the Sea Shepherd's movements.
Please add your name today to help stop Australian assistance of any kind to whaling.
Brown to pressure Parliament on illegal timber imports
Greens Leader Bob Brown will put more pressure on the Federal Government to stop illegal timber imports with a motion calling for a ban.
Senator Brown will put a notice of motion to the Senate on Monday 22nd calling on the Government to prohibit the import of illegally logged timber products, similar to the legislated ban in the United States of America.
"The Prime Minister is nearly three years late in following up his 2007 election campaign to ban the import of illegal timber," said Senator Brown.
Guarantee truth in advertising and electoral reform for 2010 election
New electoral reforms should include truth in advertising and be brought to the Senate in the next sitting period said Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown today.
The Greens support measures in new legislation for electoral reform introduced into the House of Representatives today including giving voters more time to enrol after an election is called.
"This legislation will enfranchise hundreds of thousands of first-time voters and should be passed as soon as possible to ensure changes are made before the coming federal election," said Senator Brown.
Brown calls for vote on new flag
Australian Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown has backed in calls for a modernisation of the Australian flag today.
"I congratulate Ray Martin for raising this issue on Australia Day eve, and agree wholeheartedly that it is high time we replaced the union jack with a dinkum Australian symbol on our flag," said Senator Brown.
"I call on Kevin Rudd to give Australians the opportunity at the next federal election to vote for a new symbol for our flag that properly reflects the country we are today.
Greens say don't delay, bring on Republic plebiscite at next election
Australia is ready for a Republic and the Rudd Government should stop delaying and hold a plebiscite at the next election said Australian Greens leader Bob Brown in Canberra today.
Last year Senator Brown introduced the Plebiscite for an Australian Republic Bill 2008 for a plebiscite to be held at the 2010 election.
The question to be submitted to electors outlined in the Bill is "Do you support Australia becoming a republic?"
"There is no point delaying until after the election as suggested by Kevin Rudd," said Senator Brown.
Senator Brown also called for a referendum to federally recognise Local Government in the constitution, which would enable it to receive direct federal funding rather than relying on the states.
