2018-08-22
The Australian Greens today announced portfolio allocations for their Senators and MPs ahead of the upcoming Federal Election.
Australian Greens Leader Dr Richard Di Natale said a reallocation had occurred as a result of Mehreen Faruqi’s arrival in the Senate yesterday and Larissa Water’s imminent return.
“We’ve got to hold the big parties to account – and the Australian Greens Senate team will fight for the causes that matter to our community,” Dr Di Natale said.
“This new allocation of portfolios will make the most of each of our Senator’s strengths and passions."
After being sworn in as Senator for NSW yesterday, Mehreen Faruqi will take on most of former Senator Lee Rhiannon’s portfolio responsibility.
"As an academic and longtime member of the National Tertiary Education Union, I am thrilled to take on the education portfolio. I will be standing up for strong, well funded and accessible public education, from primary school all the way through to university,” Senator Faruqi said.
"Animal welfare is a particular passion of mine and I bring my track record of campaigning against cruelty to animals in factory farming, the greyhound racing industry and puppy factories to the Federal Parliament. Ending horrific live exports is an priority of mine.
"Everyone has the right to a roof over their head. Young people in particular are being screwed over and can hardly afford to rent, let alone aspire to buy a house. Secure and affordable housing is a fundamental human right.”
Incoming Senator Larissa Waters said the corrupting influence of corporate donations was a major concern for Queenslanders and a critical project that she was eager to champion in the lead up to the next election.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to gain the Democracy portfolio for the Australian Greens, to continue our work to clean up politics and get the influence of big money out of our democracy,” the returning Senator said.
“Working to end corporate donations, start a federal anti-corruption body and restore people’s hope for a better system will be an honour.”
Senator for South Australia Sarah Hanson-Young has inherited the Environment Portfolio in recognition of her strong defence of the Murray Darling Basin.
“Malcolm Turnbull has turned his back on the environment to appease the anti-science, right wing of his party. The environment needs a fierce defender more than ever, and I am honoured to take on this challenge with the Greens,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“People in our communities are already playing their part, but it is frustrating that politicians aren’t doing their share of the heavy lifting. I’m a firm believer that if we don’t transition away from fossil fuels, and properly arrest climate change, we cannot save the planet, or the species who live on it.”