Greens will make Government more open and accountable
The Australian Greens believe that integrity, accountability and openness in politics are vital to a healthy democracy. While there have been some moves to increase scrutiny and set codes of conduct for the activities inherent in the political process, these changes have been predominantly in the form of policy decisions by governments.
Recent events demonstrate that voluntary codes of conduct and Government regulation are too easily set aside for the sake of political convenience.
Breakthrough in Tasmania part of national Greens growth
The breakthrough in Tasmania, with Greens MPs to take on ministerial positions for the first time in Australian history, is part of a national and global growth and broadening in the role played by Greens. It bodes well for the coming Federal election.
"The Greens deserved more, but this breakthrough bodes well for Tasmania and the country as more Greens get the opportunity to feed our positive ideas into the heart of government," Australian Greens Acting Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.
"The breakthrough in Tasmania is part of the growing positive role Greens are playing at all levels of government - from local councils to state and national parliaments to international bodies like the European Parliament.
"Australians are increasingly happy with what they see from Greens, exercising balance of power responsibly in the Senate, the ACT, NSW and Victoria, and working constructively as mayors and councillors across Australia.
Greens move to ban handing out how-to-vote cards
Australian Greens leader Bob Brown will move amendments to electoral laws to prevent handing out of how-to-vote cards at federal elections.
"Action to stop misleading information from being given to voters at elections is needed urgently before the next federal election," said Senator Brown.
"Voters do not need to be harassed as they approach polling places on election-day.
"Similar bans already exist for state elections in Tasmania and the ACT.
"Banning the handing out of how-to-vote cards would prevent activities such as those witnessed in the South Australian election where misleading Family First cards preferencing Labor were distributed.
Greens condemn unscrupulous electioneering, renew call for truth in advertising
Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown has condemned the use of misleading how-to-vote cards directing Family First voters to preference Labor during the South Australian election.
Senator Brown noted a range of misleading Labor materials used in the lead up to both state elections over the weekend, from television advertisements attacking SA Liberal leader Isobel Redmond to automated calls in Tasmania to undermine the Greens.
"The use of unscrupulous tactics to mislead voters highlights again the need for federal truth in advertising laws," said Senator 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.
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.
Milne refers Green Loans debacle to Auditor General
The Greens have today written to the Auditor General asking for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the gross mismanagement of the Green Loans Scheme by Minister Peter Garrett and the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
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.
Abbott goes for preference shake-up with weak environmental plan
Opposition leader Tony Abbott's foray at the Sydney Institute last night into the debate on climate change, environmental protection and Greens preferences has to be welcomed even if his solutions are lame or deceptive.
After the failure of the Copenhagen Climate Conference and the Rudd government's useless emissions trading scheme this country needs urgent debate on the way forward on climate change.
Liberals struggle with accuracy on Greens preferences
Considering the Liberal party team are poised to take government in NSW in 2011, they need to meet standards and accuracy should be at the top of the list.
Liberal MP for Castle Hill Michael Richardson's letter in the SMH on Greens' preference decisions contains comments that are inaccurate.