Hicks Gag to Save Howard

The 12 month gag on David Hicks when he returns to Australia is to save the Howard government from embarrassing truths in the run to this year's election, Greens Leader Bob Brown said in Adelaide today.

"Most people will be relieved he is coming home and that the ordeal for his family is nearing its end. The day David Hicks walks out of jail approaches and his father, mother and other family members now have a date to look forward to. But the shame of Prime Minister Howard's failure to uphold Australian standards will go
down in history."

Senator Brown said he did not believe Hicks'statement, including his reversal claim that he was not abused in Guantanamo Bay.

"This is a plea bargain under coercion. If Hicks claimed abuse or refused the press gag he was staying in Gitmo. So he has agreed to this fabricated statement," Senator Brown said.

"This military commission farce shames Australia. The Howard government has been contemptuous of international and domestic law. But the truth will out," Senator Brown said.

Outsourcing refugee processing to Indonesia abhorrent

Australian Greens Senator Kerry Nettle condemned the government's plans to outsource refugee processing to Indonesia as abhorrent and a breach of Australia's responsibilities under the United Nations Refugee Convention.

"Minister Andrews should cancel his trip to Indonesia and abandon the idea of outsourcing refugee processing there," said Senator Kerry Nettle.

"As a signatory to the United Nations Refugee Convention we have a responsibility to assess asylum seekers and accept genuine refugees. Not only does this proposal shirk those responsibilities, but it actively undermines the Refugee Convention.

"Indonesia is not a signatory to the Refugee Convention. There can be no guarantee that asylum seekers will not be returned to places of persecution.

"This government's dirty secret is that it has contracted the International Migration Organisation (IOM) to look after hundreds of returned asylum seekers on the island of Lombok for years.

"Answers to Questions on Notice that I lodged revealed that Australia had paid IOM at least $14 million to keep people in Indonesia, many of whom were 'pushed back' to Indonesia during the months after Tampa.

"The 'Pacific Solution' seems to be morphing into the South East Asian Solution, which is a disturbing development.

"The Greens call for an end to mandatory detention and for all asylum seekers to be processed on mainland Australia while living in the community."

"Nikkinbah" Survival Day this Sunday Civic Park

Civic Park, Newcastle, Sunday 25 March 11am - 7pm

The local community group, Kanuguba, presents this commemoration and celebration of the Khattang Nation invasion and survival. The Khattung Nation is the name of the traditional language group which encompasses the Hunter region, which was colonised on the 25th March, 1804.

The day features indigenous artists from up & down the east coast, plenty of great music and market stalls, culminating with a candlelight vigil at dusk to pay respects for the invasion wars that happened on this land. In the words of Arthur Ridgeway, chairperson of Kanuguba and traditional Khattung Elder: "This is a day of remembrance and celebration, remembering the truths of our past and celebrating unity for the future".

Enquiries: Peta, 4955 6397.

Equinox Multifaith Service at Nobby's

For anyone interested in a bit of relevant spiritual sustenance at the dawn of election day this coming Saturday, the local Multifaith Association is holding its annual Equinox service, dedicated this year to the very germane theme "Respecting the Environment".

Gregg Heathcote, Buddhist chaplain at the Uni says: "All are very welcome to join us at 6.45 at Nobbys carpark (and believe me it's worth the early start because once you're there dawn over the ocean makes for an extra special atmosphere).

"The gathering will share inspirational multifaith material such as the Prayer of Gratitude," says Gregg.

A Prayer of Gratitude
Reader: We rejoice in all life.

We live in all things
All things live in us
We rejoice in all life.

We live by the sun
We move with the stars
We rejoice in all life.

We eat from the earth
We drink from the rain
We breathe from the air
We rejoice in all life.

We share with the creatures
We have strength through their gifts
We rejoice in all life.

We depend on the forests
We have knowledge through their secrets
We rejoice in all life.

Greens launch "Rights on High" campaign for apartment dwellers

Greens MP and Upper House candidate Lee Rhiannon and Sydney Greens candidate Chris Harris today launched the Greens 'Rights on High' campaign for apartment dwellers.

"The Greens 'Rights on High' campaign is working to change the law to give apartment owners and long term residents protection from unfair treatment by developers, building managers and strata managers," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Apartment dwellers have very few rights at present and Labor and the Coalition show no interest in their problems. Most of the big city apartment blocks are built by developers that are bankrolling Labor and the Coalition with huge donations.

"Big developers like Meriton and Multiplex are making millions of dollars in profits out of city apartment complexes. The current strata law favours the developers and building managers so it is very difficult for owners and residents to have building defects rectified."

Mr Harris said: "Under the existing laws, an owners' corporation can be dominated by a developer and levies can be increased by 100 or 200 percent from one year to the next and owners can't do a thing about it. Owners' corporations should work in the interests of owners and residents not developers.

"Under the Greens' proposal, manager contracts will only last for one year, not a ten year arrangement with a developer mate, after which time building managers would have to apply to the owners corporation to renew their contract. This will make sure that building managers and strata managers look after residents' interests.

"The Greens 'Rights on High' campaign is informing apartment dwellers of how much developers are donating to Labor and the Coalition. This helps people understand why the major parties are not doing anything to change the law that allows developers to dodge their responsibilities.

"The Greens are asking apartment dwellers to support our 'Charter for change' which includes the creation of a Strata Ombudsman, more power for owner-occupiers, and effective dispute resolution processes.

"There are a lot of angry apartment dwellers in Sydney. I am confident that when they hear about how the law can be changed to give them more rights, we will win support for the Greens campaign.

"The Greens plan to move the Strata Schemes Management (Rights for Owner-Occupiers and Long Term Residents) Bill in the next parliament."

The Greens are calling for:

· The creation of a Strata Ombudsman who will examine all aspects of strata life, ensuring fair dealing and exposing those who are exploiting loopholes in the law to the detriment of the strata community.

· More power for owner-occupiers. The Greens propose that owner occupiers get two votes in the Owners Corporation because, unlike some absentee landlords who only consider profits, they also care about the quality of life in their block.

· A vote for long-term tenants. After a tenant has lived in a unit for two years, they should be eligible for a vote as well as the owner but only on non-financial matters.

· Forcing owners corporation members to declare any connections they may have with the developer, building manager or contractor.

· Independent assessors appointed by the government to make judgements on building defects. If the developer disagrees with the assessment they can appeal through the courts but they would be opposing the government, not owner/residents. This would mean that the legal costs of the dispute would not be borne by an individual Owners Corporation.

· All sales or transfers of management contracts to be approved at the time of transfer by Owners Corporations. (At present there is a loophole in the law whereby contracts give prior permission to such sales and the owners have no say)

· Giving Owners Corporations real power to stop units being rented out as unofficial backpacker hostels.

· The power for Owners Corporations to give permission to the council to allow council rangers to fine people who park illegally within private parking areas.

· Ensuring that residents cannot remove carpet or other insulating material from floors unless they take other measures to maintain soundproofing.

Multiculturalism at the heart of stronger communities

The NSW Greens today launched policy initiatives in the Premier’s seat of Lakemba, that put multiculturalism at the centre of community building.

Green Upper House candidate Dr John Kaye said: "The Greens believe that multiculturalism is a vital and central foundation of a successful and cohesive society.

"The Greens will restore the Ministry for Multiculturalism and Ethnic Affairs, that was abolished in 1999.

"This is just one of a range of practical measures that The Greens will use to defend NSW’s diverse communities by ensuring that they have a dedicated voice in all government decision making," says Dr Kaye.

Senator Kerry Nettle said: "The Greens have a strong track record in supporting multiculturalism. We have defended multiculturalism when it has been attacked by John Howard and Morris Iemma.

"The Greens will end the divisive practice of using racial profiling, such as ‘Middle Eastern background’ by police to stigmatise communities and will continue to advocate on behalf of refugees," said Senator Nettle.

Bashir Sawalha, Greens candidate for Lakemba, was born and raised in Palestine, and understands the needs of migrants.

"All people in NSW must be able to access the services they need. The Greens will give interpreter and translation services the funding and resources they need," Mr Sawalha said.

Lizza Gebilagin, Greens candidate for Fairfield, of Filipino background, said she understood first-hand the importance of English language skills.

"The Greens are calling for 300 more ESL teachers in public schools who would ensure that all young people will be able to achieve their goals in education," Ms Gebilagin said.

Multiculturalism package:

* Restoration of the Ministry of Multiculturalism and Ethnic Affairs.

* 300 more ESL teachers.

* More support for language courses to increase multi-lingual skills.

* Increased resources for interpreter and translation services.

* Increased places in Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

Greens launch womens policy

Greens launch womens policy - Maternity leave, childcare and domestic violence

Launching the Greens womens policy today, Greens MP and Upper House candidate Lee Rhiannon called for 18 weeks paid maternity leave, free universal pre-school and increased funding to stem domestic violence.

"The Greens are calling for 18 weeks publicly funded maternity leave and for free pre-school to ease the pressures on women in NSW", said Ms Rhiannon.

"The Carr government abolished the Department of Women and women's services in NSW are now suffering death by a thousand cuts.

"You need a magnifying glass and a packed lunch to find any references to women in Premier Iemma's State Plan. In the entire 182 pages, the word 'women' is only mentioned once.

"There is a childcare crisis in NSW and many women are locked out of the workforce. Kids will have wrinkles and a walking stick by the time they get into care.

"The Greens want to see every child in NSW receive two years of universal, free pre-school.

"The Greens are also committed to hold the government to account on domestic violence.

"1 in 3 women experience physical violence in their lives and the Ombudsman found that reports of domestic violence have increased by more than 50% between 1997 – 2004.

"Iemma's knee-jerk plan to name and shame perpetrators was panned by women's groups. The Greens want to ensure that each local area police station in NSW has a full-time Domestic Violence Liaison Officer", said Ms Rhiannon.

The Greens initiatives on women include:

· Ensuring a minimum of 18 weeks of publicly funded paid maternity
leave for all women with benefits (such as superannuation) accrued during
that time.

· Funding two days per week of free pre-school for every child in
NSW, fast-track the building of new child care facilities in areas of need
and require that every new public school includes a community-based
preschool and long day care centre.

· Reinstating the Department of Women, abolished by Labor in 2004.

· Establishing a Domestic Violence Unit in the NSW Police and ensure
each local area station has a minimum of one full-time Domestic Violence
Liaison Officer; make domestic violence training a compulsory unit in all
student police training and provide education program from early primary
school on non-violent conflict resolution.

· Increasing funding for community-based women's health services and
for secure emergency housing.

PM supports kangaroo court for Hicks

The Prime Minister's happiness with the impending appearance of David Hicks in a US military kangaroo court will not be shared by many Australians, Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.

"David Hicks should be brought home immediately and John Howard has said he could make that happen. The court is illegitimate, the handling of Hicks has been illegal and the Prime Minister's connivance with the Bush administration has been against Australia's interests and dignity," Senator Brown said.

"The Prime Minister is planning a political outcome involving Hicks being charged, condemned to prison and then brought home to serve that sentence. John Howard is taking the sense of fair play for granted if he thinks it ill be as simple as that. It won't," Senator Brown said.

Call for Premier to disclose pokie plan for pubs

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said today that any moves to increase the number of pokies and other gaming machines in NSW hotels would inevitably lead to more cases of problem gambling and hardship for the families and friends of problem gamblers.

"Today's media report that the hotel industry has successfully lobbied the Iemma government to review Labor's poker machine policy is bad news," Ms Rhiannon said.

"We need a phase out plan for gambling machines in NSW hotels, not an underhand deal to increase the numbers after the election.

"The public have a right to know before the election what deals have been made, how many machines will be installed and where they will be.

"We call on Premier Morris Iemma to publicly disclose details of his talks with the hotel industry.

"NSW already has the highest rate of gambling addiction in Australia. Any increase in the number of machines in NSW hotels will add to this problem.

"The hotel and club industry contributed nearly $2 million to the Labor Party.

"The Australian Hotels Association and individual hotels would be making further donations in the lead up to the state election but this money will not be publicly disclosed until February 2008.

"The relationship between the Labor government and the hotel and club industry is very unhealthy. It has appalling consequences for problem gamblers and their friends and families.

"The Coalition also receives large donations from the hotel and club industry.

"Labor and the Coalition have a history of voting together to pass legislation that allows hotels and clubs to increase their allocation of gambling machines," Ms Rhiannon said.

Desperate Debnam takes on child crime

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said Opposition Leader Peter Debnam*s plan to rewrite the state*s juvenile justice laws is a crude attempt to pick up his flagging campaign and will do nothing to make our communities safer.

"The Coalition policy to lower the age of criminal responsibility risks alienating children from our society and creating more crime," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Mr Debnam's statement that children who brush with the law are 'the untouchables' shows just how disconnected he is with our society.

"Children, whatever they do, are part of our society. They are not 'untouchables'. They have mothers, fathers, siblings and school friends and deserve a fair justice system not a persecutory one.

"It is Mr Debnam's proposals that up the ante for children as young as ten that should be 'untouchable', not our children.

"Mr Debnam's proposals overlook the links between child abuse and criminal behaviour in children. As a society we should support these children, not shut the door on them.

"The opposition leader is content to ignore the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which requires specially designed criminal justice laws for children.

"The opposition's juvenile justice policy is a desperate attempt to look tough.

"Juvenile justice laws need to be balanced so young people are given a second chance.

"If Debnam's plan ever became law it would turn many young people who make mistakes into criminals for life.

"Mr Debnam has an unhealthy habit of discarding fundamental justice principles which are the mark of a civilised and fair society.

"This latest law and order announcement adds to the perception of extremism now associated with the Liberal Party," Ms Rhiannon said.

Target resources at poverty postcodes

It is outrageous that during a time of great prosperity in Australia we are letting so many Australians simply drop off the edge.

Tackling our emerging poverty postcodes and building a fairer Australia should be a major concern in this election.

Professor Vincent's research shows the emergence of a number of areas of concentrated despair - where multiple measures of disadvantage converge, producing what has been described as 'black holes' of social isolation and exclusion.

We should be targeting additional resources in education, health and social support to provide early intervention services in these areas of greatest need.

This convergence across a range of types of disadvantage explains the futility of narrow short-term interventions that attempt to address only one aspect of disadvantage in isolation.

This points clearly to the need for systemic and holistic approaches to addressing disadvantage.

Social participation and cohesion have been shown in Professor Vincent's work to be crucial mitigating factors. Engaging with the community and working with them to build resilience can help children growing up in disadvantage to avoid the worst impacts of social exclusion.

We must be developing comprehensive policies that ensure all Australians benefit from our prosperity.

Greens call for a Carer Card and HCOSS funding

Newcastle Greens

MEDIA RELEASE
21 February 2007

You’ve got it hand it to them: Greens call for a Carer Card

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today joined candidate for Newcastle Michael Osborne to call on the Iemma government to develop a Carer Card and restore funding for the Hunter Council of Social Services (HCOSS).

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said: "Many Novocastrians are carers and deserve recognition and better services. Carers shoulder an enormous burden – they suffer financial stress, sleep deprivation and difficulty maintaining a job.

"The Greens are calling for a Carer Card in NSW, based on the Seniors Card model, to reduce financial stress for carers and promote recognition for the important role they perform.

"The NSW government is failing carers. The NSW Carers Program has seen no increased funding since it began in 2003. The program attracts $5.1 million a year representing $5 per carer a year, or $34 for every primary carer.

"A Carer Card would offer transport concessions, discounted goods and services, special rates to galleries, clubs and holiday venues and cut-price legal and insurance services. Eligible carers would be sent an annual Discount Directory outlining a range of discounts on goods and services.

"A Carer Card is a small but important offering, with a minimal drain on the public purse, that Premier Iemma should have the generosity to provide."

Greens candidate Michael Osborne said: "There are an estimated 750,000 people in NSW caring for the elderly, people with a disability, mental illness or chronic health problem. These people deserve more support from the NSW government.

"Funding for the Hunter Council of Social Services (HCOSS) has been gutted by the Iemma government. HCOSS is the umbrella organisation for many important social welfare organisations in Newcastle.

"At the same time as HCOSS funding has been cut, funding for the sister organisation in Community Services Minister Reba Meagher’s electorate received a massive increase. Again Sydney Labor is ignoring the needs of the Hunter.

"The Greens are committed to restoring funding to HCOSS."

Hunter let down by Sydney Labor (again!)

How many times have we heard that Sydney Labor has provided great funding to Sydney and cut funding to Newcastle?

The Hunter Council of Social Services (HCOSS) is the umbrella organisation for many important social welfare organisations in Newcastle and the Hunter.

In light of the shift by both the Iemma Government and the Howard govrnment to get the non-government sector to do the work that the government sector used to do, certainly an organisation worthy of Government support.

According to the Department of Community Services annual report, these were some of the peak bodies that received Sydney Labor government funding (including recurrent funding):

* In the Minister's electorate (generous Reba Meagher): Western Sydney Community Forum $361,209

* The Illawarra Forum (the area Labor lost to the Greens in a recent Federal election): $661,793

* Inner Sydney Regional Council for Social Development (close to Parliament House): $92,271

And, how much recurrent funding from the Sydney Labor government for the Hunter peak body? ZIP!

Greens bill to overhaul injury compensation laws

Newcastle Greens

MEDIA RELEASE
21 February 2007

Greens bill to overhaul injury compensation laws – it’s only fair

Greens MP and Upper House candidate Lee Rhiannon joined Greens candidate Michael Osborne and local injured worker Bruce Adnum at Newcastle Trades Hall today for the Newcastle launch of a Greens bill to overhaul personal injury compensation laws in NSW.

Greens MP Ms Rhiannon said: “Personal injury laws in NSW have been gutted and injured people like Bruce Adnum now have to wrestle with a system that is inaccessible, complicated and unfair.

“It is disappointing that the Labor government has failed to do the right thing for injured people. The Greens plan to introduce a private members bill to establish a simple, consistent and fair system of compensation.

“Research by the Law Society shows that the number of injured people eligible for fair compensation under the Civil Liability Act has dropped by 64 per cent in NSW.

Greens candidate for Newcastle Michael Osborne said: “There has been a $12 million increase in NSW Medicare costs since the law was changed.

“This means that costs have shifted from insurance companies to Medicare. Injured people are left to flounder while the profits of insurance companies soar.

Bruce Adnum said: "Measuring a person’s injury through an American-style percentage threshold is unfair.

“I see a doctor and after an hour all I come out with is a percentage mark that is meant to represent my injuries. I’m a human being, not a maths sum. This percentage says nothing about the impact my injury has had on my life and my family.”

The Greens plan for a better deal for injured people would:

• Establish a single, consistent procedure for the recovery of damages for all fault-based injuries, whether the injuries occur on the job, while driving or in public areas.

• Repeal the American-style whole of body impairment formula that stops most injured people from receiving compensation. The current threshold tests based on AMA Guidelines are arbitrary and do not account for the broader impact on the person’s life.

• Ensure that compensation claims are determined by an independent tribunal with tenured members, not by bureaucrats or insurers.

Greens Call for Extra $100 million pa for Disability Support Services

An additional $103.5 million in annual funding is the centrepiece of the Greens election policy on disability services launched today by Sylvia Hale, Greens MP and spokesperson on Disability Services.

The extra money should be allocated to create an additional 300 supported accommodation places and 100 attendant care places for disabled people as well as an additional 600 respite care places to relieve the burden on carers.

Additional money should also go to providing faster access to equipment and relocating young disabled people out of aged care facilities.

Other initiatives in the policy include an additional $12 million for improved training for those who work with the disabled and a guaranteed 5 days per week of funding for disabled people participating in Community Participation Programs.

“The Greens recognise that great progress has been made in breaking down the physical, social and economic barriers that disable people. That progress has come about because of the outstanding advocacy of the disabled and those who represent them,” said Ms Hale.

“But that work must continue because many barriers still exist. It is the role of government to support that work, by listening to what the community is saying and committing the necessary financial resources and political will to removing those barriers,”

“The Greens will continue to push for these commitments because we know that our community is diminished without them.”

“In 2006 a draft international convention protecting the rights of persons with a disability was developed and the Greens look forward to seeing that convention adopted by the UN General Assembly and enacted by the Australian and New South Wales governments,” said Ms Hale.

“Closer to home the recognition by the Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) that significant additional resources must be given to address the needs of people with disabilities has given new impetus, particularly for those who have been campaigning for so long on behalf of young people in nursing homes.”

“It is imperative that this new momentum at international, national and state level be translated into delivering real improvements where it counts, on the ground, in the homes and care facilities, the workplaces and public spaces where people with disabilities live their lives.”

“The Greens policy on disability services was reviewed during 2006 by a working group made up mainly of members with a disability. The aim of that policy review was to ensure that Greens policy reflects the priorities of people who are disabled and our commitment to translate the recent impetus in this area into real outcomes.”

Greens Policy Initiatives
Accommodation
The Greens are calling for a major increase in funding for the disability sector targeted at improving access to a range of high quality, age-appropriate, community care and accommodation options with the aim of enabling people who are disabled to live as independently as desired or as possible. The Greens support the call by the NSW Council of Social Services in its Closing the Gap report for among other initiatives, an additional 300 supported accommodation places and 100 attendant care places at a cost of approximately $45 million per annum. In addition the Greens are calling for an additional $2.5 million to assist in relocating young people with a disability out of residential aged care.

Increased funding is also urgently needed to expand respite care services and facilities, in-home and emergency support and crisis accommodation. The Greens are calling for an additional 600 respite care places at a cost of approximately $5 million per annum.

Access
The Greens aim to ensure equitable and integrated community access, including the provision and maintenance of ramps, rails, toilets, information and communications systems and appropriate public and private transport options.

We also aim to ensure that people with disabilities have access to affordable and accessible communications technology and services that are appropriate to their needs; the Greens are currently undertaking an audit of all of our websites to ensure they meet best practice for accessibility and we are calling for similar audits of all public and corporate sector websites.

Equipment
The Greens are calling for an increase in funding to the PADP program (Program of Appliances for Disabled People) to at least $35 million per year to ensure that necessary equipment is provided in a timely manner.

Human Rights
The Greens will initiate legislative reform to ensure adequate protection of people with disabilities who are in care via improved monitoring, investigative powers and enforcement and the development and promotion of appropriate alternatives to the use of coercive measures and restraint in disability services.

Education
The Greens believe that there is a need to focus on the education system to ensure the appropriate case management and integration into childcare and school education of children who are disabled and to provide adequately resourced pathways that support school leavers with disabilities to make the transition from school into meaningful employment, educational and vocational programs or other community-based activities.

The Greens are calling for an additional $8 million per annum for teacher development programs, teacher release time and additional teachers aide support for school students with a disability, an additional $4 million per annum to ensure that Community Participation places are available for 5 days per week and that people who have completed the Transition To Work program without successfully finding employment are given access to the Community Participation Program.

Employment
We are calling for the expansion of funding to labour market programs for people with disabilities and the development of a program of affirmative action in employment so that those who want to work have the opportunity to do so to the maximum extent possible.

For those who are in jobs we need to improve the provision of infrastructure and interpersonal support available to support them in the workplace.

Disability services staff
The Greens recognise the importance of providing further training, development and personal support to staff working in disability services and the need to adopt workforce measures to increase the professional mix of staff. The Greens are calling for an additional $4 million per annum in development programs for staff working in disability services.
We also support a real increase in pay and improved conditions and career structures for providers of services for people with disabilities.

Carers
We recognise the importance of the role played by carers and to support that role the Greens are calling for parents, partners, relatives and friends who act as carers to be eligible for registration as carers and to have access to support, including income and respite.

TOTAL Additional Expenditure: $103.5m p.a.

Greens Policy Goals
The Greens policies seek to ensure that people of differing abilities have:

· a well funded and resourced operational service sector to meet their needs;

· access to adequate support services to enable them to participate fully in schools and society;

· the opportunity to actively participate in the development of policy and the planning and delivery of services;

· access to well-funded and resourced health services including provision of research funding and traditional and alternative treatment options;

· the right, where appropriate, to choose where, when and how to utilise the most appropriate medical, support or advocacy service that best meets their needs;

· the right to access the most suitable accommodation option that best meets their individual needs;

· the right to be free from discrimination, exploitation, neglect and abuse;

· the right to actively participate in civic and political life, including contesting elections and holding public office;

· the right to publicly dissent, protest and organise themselves in defence of their rights;

· involvement in all levels of decision and policy making across society, including in services for people who are disabled;

We support government programs to promote public awareness and attitudinal change by removing structural barriers and inequality of access to education, training and employment; as well as programs aimed at removing cultural and linguistic barriers to access to support and services.

Public transport at concession rates for students, apprentices and trainees

Newcastle Greens

MEDIA RELEASE
13 February 2007

Government should encourage students to use public transport, say The Greens

University and TAFE students, as well as apprentices and trainees, should be able to travel on public transport at concession rates, says Greens candidate for Newcastle, Councillor Michael Osborne.

“Many students are living below the poverty line and most are struggling with hefty fees and sky-rocketing rents,” Councillor Osborne said.

“The State Government should be encouraging students to use public transport with the concession rates but at the same time the government needs to do its bit and integrate the buses, trains and ferries, improve the bus routes and the timetabling,” Councillor Osborne said.

“There’s a big benefit in having less cars on the road. It not only saves the individual in petrol, parking and other costs, but also saves the community in lives, health impacts and environmental benefits,” Councillor Osborne said.

Students have expressed dismay at public transport services to the University, Councillor Osborne heard yesterday when he spoke to students at the Orientation Week, which is being held this week at the University of Newcastle.

“Public transport cuts in Newcastle have almost destroyed faith in the system, forcing more students to drive. Students and visitors to the University have to fight for car-spaces because public transport is expensive and lacks sensible integrated planning. The situation will only get worse from the 19th February when all students return to the University,” Councillor Osborne said.

The express 226 and 223 have been entirely removed in recent years, resulting in fewer and less direct routes. On some days the 104 and 225 buses can take over an hour to arrive at the University from Newcastle.

Cr Michael Osborne this week restated The Greens commitment to the full integration of all transport services in the region, with the aim of simplifying travel for all members of the travelling public.

“An improved public transport system will be easier for everyone to use,” Councillor Osborne said.

What some students said...

Tegan Faulkner, Medowie
There is no public transport to where I live. If there was I’d use it.




Stephen Owen, Carrington
It takes me 45 minutes to get to Uni. And that’s too long.




Sara Vincent, Merewether
The bus can take over an hour to get there and sometimes it won’t come at all. It is not a service it’s non-existent. I am late for lectures and labs all the time.

Amber Palmer, New Lambton/ Lynn Palmer, Dubbo
I like the prices but they seem to take you all over the world. The bus drivers are rude and unhelpful. We got on a bus in town which said Newcastle University – what it didn’t say was – via Dubbo.

Greens Welcome release of Nauru detainee

Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today welcomed the release of detainee Muhammad Faisal from detention after five years.

"The release of Muhammad Faisal, following a fresh security assessment by ASIO, raises serious questions about the accuracy of ASIO assessments," Senator Nettle said.

"This man's life has been ruined and his mental health destroyed because ASIO got it wrong. What could possible have changed about Mr Faisal's security status during five years detention in Nauru," asked Senator Nettle.

"Asylum seekers' claims should be assessed on their need to for protection, not on a secret, bogus security assessment."

"After visiting him last year, I'm thrilled that Muhammad will be able to live in the community. It's a shame for his mental health and Australia that it is five years too late," Senator Nettle said.

Greens ready with euthanasia bill

Monday 29 January 2007
Greens ready with euthanasia bill

Greens Leader Bob Brown will introduce a private member's bill to the Senate next week to rekindle the debate on euthanasia.

"A decade after the Northern Territory laws were overridden by Canberra, my bill proposes a similar law for death with dignity for Australia. It is mostly a state legislative matter but public feeling is strongly behind the right of terminally ill people, if supported by loved ones and doctors, to be able to die with dignity. That is what the bill proposes," Senator Brown said.

"I was stunned last year when both the government and opposition blocked debate on a Greens motion "that the Senate supports the right of Australians to die with dignity".

"It is as if both the government and opposition don't even want to debate the issue," Senator Brown said.

Greens call for a Carer Card

Sunday, 28 January 2007
You've got to hand it to them: Greens call for a Carer Card

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today called on the Iemma government to develop a Carer Card, based on the NSW Seniors Card model, to reduce financial stress for carers and promote recognition for the important role they perform.

"Carers shoulder an enormous burden. They suffer financial stress, sleep deprivation and difficulty maintaining a job. Many crave increased recognition for the relentless and difficult work they do," Ms Rhiannon said.

"A Carer Card would be a low cost but useful way of demonstrating the Iemma government's commitment to these forgotten people who contribute so much while saving public money.

"There are an estimated 750,000 people in NSW caring for the elderly, people with a disability, mental illness or chronic health problem. 150,000 of these are primary carers who provide the majority of informal support to a family member.

"A Carer Card could offer transport concessions, discounted goods and services, special rates to galleries, clubs and holiday venues and cut-price legal and insurance services.

"Eligible carers would be sent an annual Discount Directory outlining a range of discounts on goods and services.

"Carers NSW has prepared a detailed proposal which the Iemma government should study. A Companion Card already exists in Victoria and there are useful models in the UK which could help guide the development of the card.

"The proposal suggests offering the card to those receiving a Carer Payment and/or the Carer Allowance who are under 60 years old (carers over 60 receive a Seniors Card).

"It is estimated 80,000 carers would be eligible for a card, costing the government a fraction of the Seniors Card. Like the Seniors Card, the Carer Card would be administered by the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care.

"The NSW government provides very little for carers. The NSW Carers Program has seen no increased funding since it began in 2003. The program attracts $5.1 million a year representing $5 per carer a year, or $34 for every primary carer.

"A Carer Card is a small but important offering, with a minimal drain on the public purse, that Premier Iemma should have the generosity to provide," Ms Rhiannon said.