Greens back levy after $100 million win on solar
...and support for affordable housing, education
The Australian Greens will support the flood levy in the House of Representatives and the Senate after important gains from the Government on their proposed funding cuts.
Greens Leader Bob Brown, Deputy Leader Christine Milne and MP Adam Bandt took their concerns directly to the government and negotiated a good outcome that will release funding for flood recovery and protect key programs.
The Greens have ensured that $100 million will be returned to the Solar Flagships program in the forward estimates and that a proper consultation process will be undertaken to develop long term policy for large-scale solar power.
The Greens also secured agreement for continued discussions about long-term funding for disaster relief and options for a national insurance program as the nation moves toward confronting the challenges posed by climate change.
Fairer Banking
Banking is an essential service. A basic bank account is essential to function properly in present day Australian society. This means that the nature of banking services – the kinds of financial products that are offered and the fees that are charged – has a very broad impact.
Consequently, the welfare of consumers should be protected by law and not, as is currently the case, by the self-regulation of the banking industry.
Last financial year, Australia’s major banks announced massive net profits despite the global financial crisis; the ‘big four’ banks each posted profits between $4.7 billion and $2.6 billion.
Greens attack Abbott's xenophobic action plan
Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown says Liberal Party Leader Tony Abbott's new election campaign television advertisement is xenophobic.
The advertisement promises action on ‘illegals', singling out the nations of Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq.
"This campaign is xenophobic," said Senator Brown.
"It's a sign of things to come in the election campaign from the Coalition.
"It is not illegal for people to seek asylum.
"Mr Abbott is suggesting that Australia renege on its obligations under the UN convention on refugees.
Back to the Future
On December 12, I joined over 500 Novacastrians in the annual Walk Against Warming event. In the following article, published in the Newcastle Herald on Saturday, Dec 19, I explore my personal connections to the area, along with what the future might hold for the Hunter.
Port Arthur massacre remembered – time to ban semi-automatic pistols
Lee renews the Greens call for a ban on semi-automatic pistols to mark the 10 year anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre.
Reports marking yesterday’s anniversay of the Port Arthur massacre understandably got caught up in coverage of the book Born or Bred, an indepth look at the life of Martin Bryant.
Radical activism centre stage at Climate Summit
Clive Hamilton set the scene for the four day Climate Summit with an uplifting speech that put “radical activism” centre stage.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Climate Change Minister Penny Wong would be wise to ask for a briefing on the Climate Summit held in Canberra from January 31 to February 3. Discontent with their government is on the rise.
Can drug users deliver an honest debate?
When Premier Morris Iemma was asked about Andrew Johns drug taking he went for the old law and order approach, reminding everyone that if Johns had been caught in NSW he may have faced criminal charges. Although technically that could happen, the fact is that by far the majority of people picked up in NSW with one ecstasy tab are given a warning by the police, or they may end up in a rehabilitation program.
Charities under fire, law change needed to protect fund raising
Commenting on this week’s Federal Court case that has resulted in Aid/Watch loosing its charity status, Greens NSW senate candidate Lee Rhiannon has called on the federal government to define charity in law so community groups are not penalised for their political activities.
Greens secure $13.7 m in heritage projects for NSW
Commenting on the $13.7 million secured by the Australian Greens senators for 63 NSW heritage projects as part of the stimulus package, Greens NSW senate candidate Lee Rhiannon said enormous job creation and heritage protection benefits would flow to local communities.