2017-07-02
The Green Issue Editors
In the WA state election in March 2017 three new Greens members were elected to the Legislative Council, although Alison has been there before. These three join Robin Chapple in the Legislative Council. Find out more about them below.
Tim Clifford MLC for the East Metropolitan region of WA.
Tim Clifford grew up in country WA and has lived in Perth for 14 years. Coming from a single parent household where money was always tight, he saw the absolute importance of a strong social safety net, of good public education and of an accessible health care system that ensures help is available for anyone who needs it.
His family did not expect more than what was fair, and what was fair was no more than they needed. He comes into politics wanting to protect these fundamental building blocks of a decent society ‒ building blocks that have been eroded by successive governments.
Tim's mother juggled work with the huge responsibility of raising four children ‒ without a safety net, they would have fallen into poverty and missed out on the opportunities for education, careers and engagement in the community. This is a reality faced by too many children and families in Australia today.
Western Australia is a wonderful place to call home, but like anywhere, it is faced with its own set of challenges. Tim spent six years working on a series of fly-in, fly-out rosters, and is now seeing the after effects of the mining boom on workers and the economy. He has contended with WAs rental market and the struggle to move into home ownership amidst a housing shortage and inflated prices.
Since returning to Perth he was employed as a dedicated public servant for five years and completed a degree in international relations and journalism.
He is proud to be a member of the Greens and to represent the people living in the East Metropolitan region, as a member of the only party with progressive, mainstream values.
The Greens is the only party with the courage and conviction to protect our social safety net, our schools and our hospitals; to know that people seeking asylum and protection deserve compassion, not cruelty; and to know that transitioning to a clean energy economy offers the jobs and economic growth that our country needs.
Portfolios: Climate Change & Energy; Transport; Planning; Housing; Heritage; Arts; Police; Emergency Services; Road Safety; Science; ICT; Innovation; East Metropolitan
Alison Xamon MLC for the North Metropolitan region of WA.
Mental health and suicide prevention advocate, lawyer, and former Member of Parliament for the Greens, Alison has been elected to the Legislative Council for the seat of North Metropolitan. She is hoping to continue with the important work that she began during her previous term in Parliament.
Known for being one of the hardest working Members of Parliament, as MLC for the East Metropolitan region from 2009-2013, Alison introduced several Private Members Bills, numerous motions and was involved in multiple community campaigns. Alison held 17 portfolios and during that time covered a diverse range of issues.
In particular Alison hopes to bring a strong voice to Parliament on mental health, disability and suicide prevention issues. A priority is to urgently reassess current approaches to law and order issues and reform our overcrowded prison system where so many people leave without ever having their mental health or drug and alcohol issues addressed.
Alison is also passionate about the need to ensure our economy is diversified beyond mining so that people have the opportunity to get jobs and that when people get those jobs that our laws are as strong as possible to ensure our workers are safe at work.
Integrity of Government is a key issue and Alison will re-introduce legislation to ensure the overhaul of electoral donations and bring increased transparency to our Parliament.
Alison is committed to practical solutions to create a sustainable economic and environmental future able to withstand the challenges of climate change. She is passionate about the need to ensure our transition to cities which have sustainable housing and transport, where we use our water effectively and make the transition to renewable energy systems.
Portfolios: Health and Mental Health; Education and Training; Justice; Commerce and Industrial Relations; Community Services and Child Protection, Family Violence; Electoral Affairs; Public Sector; Seniors and volunteering; Disability; Youth; Veterans Affairs; Multicultural; Gambling; North Metropolitan
Diane Evers MLC for the South West region of WA.
Diane Evers and The Greens (WA) have a strong, sustainable vision for the South West.
Before being elected to the Legislative Council, Diane was the State Manager of Green Skills, a community organisation undertaking environmental works and community development leading toward sustainable lifestyles.
As an inaugural Councillor of the newly formed City of Albany Council, Diane held Board positions on the Great Southern Development Commission, the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee. She has also been the treasurer of an independent primary school.
Diane, and her husband, Tony, have been active in the Albany community for over twenty years raising four, now adult, children. Through her career, Diane has developed a passion for her community and the environment, building on her accounting, finance, and managerial skills gained earlier in her career as an accountant.
Diane has been an outspoken resident of the South West on issues including appropriate sustainable development, GM crops, social issues, marine reserves and renewable energy. A Greens member for over 10 years, she is a strong advocate for sustainable living, with solar panels, rainwater only water supply, a small vegetable garden, reuse/recycle and electric transport as part of her day to day life.
Diane sees Greens participation in State legislation as an essential step to ensure proper use of natural resources and appropriate delivery of services to all Western Australians.
Portfolios: Fisheries and Marine; Forestry; Water; Tourism; Regional Development, Agriculture and Food; Sport and Recreation, Jobs and Trade: Small Business; Treasury; Finance; South West Region
Header Photo: WA Parliament House