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Governance
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.
When threats replace debate on the question of stem cells
Cardinal George Pell was not the only leading Australian Catholic who threatened "consequences" for Catholic MPs who voted for stem cell legislation. Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey went further than Cardinal Pell. He not only asserted that Catholic politicians supporting stem cell research should be excluded from holy communion - he added the threat of excommunication.
Chinese billionaire developer's political donations create access to MPs
Commenting on a major investigation into political donations Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said statements by the property billionaire Dr Chau Chak Wing reveal a clear connection between donating money to political parties and gaining access to leaders of those parties (Sydney Morning Herald, 4-5 July 2009, page 1).
Lee wins Greens NSW Senate preselection ballot
A personal message from Lee Rhiannon on being selected as the Greens NSW lead Senate candidate for the next federal election
Rees must back Bligh to spur national action on donations
Greens MP and donations spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says Premier Nathan Rees must back QLD Premier Anna Bligh's call for electoral funding reform to increase pressure on the Rudd government to end the corrupting influence of political donations ('Bligh wants ban on donations', p. 1, The Australian).
