2022-11-25
Thanks to the extraordinary effort of all of our supporters, our movement is in a powerful position to deliver on the things we’ve all been fighting for.
By Senator Penny Allman-Payne
We’ve certainly come a long way since election day. It’s hard to believe it was only a few months ago that we secured a historic vote and became the largest-ever third party in parliament!
And that’s all thanks to you – Greens members and supporters who have toiled away for years, building community connections, having one-on-one conversations and winning hearts and minds. Thanks to this extraordinary effort our movement is in a powerful position to deliver on the things we’ve all been fighting for: Treaty; urgent climate action; an end to health, education, housing, racial and economic inequality; and a fair and just Australia that provides for all of us.
I’m incredibly grateful for and humbled by this opportunity to work for the people of Queensland – especially those in regional areas, where the effects of global heating, soaring prices, low incomes and job insecurity are felt the most.
My team and I are acutely aware of the huge responsibility we have and the faith you’ve placed in us. We won’t let you down.
Energy transition
In September I was proud to introduce my first-ever bill to parliament: the National Energy Transition Authority Bill. The bill would establish an independent statutory body to coordinate and fund the transition from coal and gas to renewable energy, supporting community-driven projects and ensuring no worker is left behind. The bill has been referred to a Senate inquiry, with submissions closing in late November and the report due in March next year.
In support of the bill I held stakeholder meetings and community forums in the coal communities of Latrobe Valley, the Hunter region and my own town of Gladstone. It was great to hear firsthand from workers, unions, local government representatives and environmental groups about how important a transition authority is and how keen they are to work with us to get it done. Now we just need Labor to get behind the plan too!
Special thanks to Nat Baker and Jane Carswell from our team for organising a fantastic tour, and thanks too to Liam Carter for taking on the challenge of drafting the bill when we discovered that the parliamentary drafters wouldn’t be able to get it done in time! Incredible work from everyone.
Schools
The school system is facing incredible challenges. Teachers are underpaid, undervalued and overworked, schools are under-resourced, and student outcomes in our poorest communities are worsening. And yet we continue to throw billions at private schools – many of which don’t even need it!
With the next National School Reform Agreement (NSRA) currently being negotiated, we’ll be building towards a campaign next year which will be focused on ensuring that public schools reach 100 percent of the Schooling Resource Standard by the end of the next NSRA, calling for a greater emphasis on equity and full transparency on how independent and Catholic schools use public funds.
Northern Australia
In August I was elected by the Senate to the Joint Select Committee for Northern Australia (defeating Malcolm Roberts in the process!). While the committee is often used as a way for the Nationals to promote coal and gas projects, I’m hopeful there’ll be an opportunity in an upcoming inquiry to dig into workforce planning in feminised industries in Northern Australia, and explore ways to open up opportunities for more women to enter traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Other parliamentary work
I’ve also been appointed deputy chair of the Select Committee on Cost of Living, which has been tasked with inquiring on the government’s response to the cost of living crisis and what more must be done to help the most vulnerable Australians. Stay tuned for more information on how you can participate.
It’s an exciting time for our party and our movement! Thank you for all that you do.