Senator Rachel Siewert

The Australian Greens said today that Aged Care in Western Australia
would soon be in crisis if action isn't taken to address the viability
of the sector.

"Federal Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot is trying to paint a rosy
picture of Aged Care in Australia, claiming that more beds were sought
than were available. However, this does not represent the true picture -

The Australian Greens today called on the Minister for the Environment
Peter Garrett to explain why Japanese whalers were in Australian
Antarctic waters and whether any whales were taken in Australian waters.

"Japanese whalers were found in Australian waters by the Sea Shepherd
group, and were unable to kill any whales while they were being pursued

The Australian Greens have encouraged unions to campaign globally on the
Federal Government's Industrial Relations Fair Work Bill - and vowed to
amend the legislation if necessary to ensure Australia's workers achieve
minimum global workplace safeguards.

Spokesperson on Industrial Relations Senator Rachel Siewert, said The

The Australian Greens today called on Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to
override a comment by Resources Minister Martin Ferguson that the
Federal Government would support compulsory acquisition of land for LNG
development in the Kimberley

"When making the Apology to Aboriginal Australians early this year, the

A Federal Court ruling that will halt one of the world's largest zinc mines is a big win for Traditional Owners and for the environment, said the Australian Greens today.

The Australian Greens today expressed their deep concern over expansion of the Ord River irrigation project in North Western Australia, following Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's announcement of funding under the Federal Government's infrastructure package.

The Australian Greens today called on Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett to press ahead with the ongoing strategic assessment process to find the best location for an industrial Hub in the Kimberley, saying that he should not approve any LNG developments in the region outside of the agreed process.

The WA Government needs to seriously invest in Indigenous housing, to address inadequate funding in the past by both State and Federal Governments, said the Australian Greens today.

"Both State and Federal governments need to play catch-up fast by investing the funding required to replace or upgrade homes in Indigenous communities," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

The Australian Greens today deplored the Australian Government's approach to Indigenous rights during climate change negotiations this week.

"Mr Rudd should be explaining to the Australian people how on one hand he has made an election promise to endorse the UN Declaration of Indigenous Rights, whilst on the other hand acting to cut out any practical application of those rights in the negotiations currently underway at the UN Climate Conference in Poznan," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

The Australian Greens today responded to the release of a Native Title Working Group report, pointing to the need for an overhaul of the system.

"Australia's approach to native title is heavily swayed away from Indigenous Australians, denying them the right to be properly informed, involved or otherwise represented," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

"This report found that only twelve of the hundreds of agreements in place across the country provided substantial benefits to Indigenous Australians. That is a totally unacceptable number, and a clear indication that something is wrong."