Greens E-Brief No. 148
8 December 2005
This E-Brief contains information about the work undertaken since the
last
ebrief in the offices of Senator Kerry Nettle and NSW MLCs Lee Rhiannon,
Ian Cohen and Sylvia Hale. It also contains events happening over the
next
month. If you do not wish to continue receiving e-briefs, please reply
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IN THIS E-BRIEF
1. Greens MPs reports
2. Coming events involving Greens
3. What's on?
4. Campaigns
5. Hot website tips
6. Reports
7. Job advertisements
8. Contact details for Greens MPs
++++++++++++++++++++
1. FROM THE OFFICES OF GREENS MPs IN NSW
(Contact details for all Greens MPs in NSW are at the end of this email.)
SENATOR KERRY NETTLE
www.kerrynettle.org.au
DEMOCRACY GAGGED
A tumultuous two weeks of Federal Parliament has again highlighted the
danger to democracy that a government controlled Senate presents. The
government rammed through its industrial relation legislation, terrorism
laws, welfare to work rules and its nuclear waste dump legislation with
little time for proper debate and consideration.
Debate on the terrorism laws, which introduced detention without charge
and
trial and threaten free speech, was guillotined to 6 hours despite almost
one hundred amendments to be considered. Labor and the government combined
to vote up the legislation and opposed a Greens move to allow courts to
assess the laws against international human rights law.
The government also moved to remove many chronically ill and elderly
people's right to cheaper medicines and introduced bills to radically
change the electoral laws including removing prisoners' right to vote
and
enabling political donations of $10,000 or less to remain secret.
Kerry spoke in Parliament and in the media about much of this legislation
and the attack on democracy in the Senate.
DEATH PENALTY & VAN NGUYEN
Kerry joined over a thousand people at Van Nguyen's funeral this week
and
participated in vigils leading up to his execution. Kerry and Bob Brown
worked with Victorian layers in a last ditch attempt to have Nguyen
extradited by initiating a private prosecution but the government again
refused to act. The government's true colours were revealed in the Senate
when they refused to support a motion expressing abhorrence of the death
penalty. It is now incumbent on all of us to campaign for the extradition
of the Bali Nine and other Australians on death row and an end to the
death
penalty in our region.
--------------------
LEE RHIANNON MLC
www.leerhiannon.org.au
All the best to Greens members and supporters for their support and
assistance throughout 2005. The events of this year have provided a stark
reminder of how important it is to build the Greens as a united, principled
advocate for social equity and the environment. The ruthless federal
government and a state Labor government that has lost its way have provided
too many bad news stories this year. The lack of action on climate change
along with the loss of legal rights and workplace protection will be
critical campaigns in 2006.
A recent state poll had the NSW Greens ending the year in a strong position
with 10% of the vote, with the Iemma government losing much of its support
over the transport crisis in regional areas as well as the city centre.
http://www.leerhiannon.org.au/media/Media05/nov-dec/s051206_votes.htm
The state government announced hotels could trade for longer hours earlier
this month. The word 'bribe' certainly came to mind as the alcohol industry
has handed over millions of dollars to the Labor Party and then along
comes
this extension of opening hours.
http://www.leerhiannon.org.au/media/Media05/nov-dec/s051129_pubdonations.htm
Now Public Private Partnerships are under the spotlight, we are well
placed
to build our campaign for public funding of the state's infrastructure.
While Premier Iemma attempts to distance himself from former Premier Carr
his actions on the big issues just ape the worst initiatives of Bob Carr.
I
met with Professor Richmond, who has been reviewing tollway projects for
the government. It was a disturbing meeting as Richmond said he only
consulted with the big end of town as he already knew what affected
residents thought. He also tried to explain away delays in releasing
contract summaries saying that at the end of the process 'people are tired
and it's not in their mind'. So this is one of those reviews you can guess
the outcome of before it is written.
Another highlight of this year was our Greens 20/10 celebration. I feel
passionate about Greens history and the need to mark our milestones. So
I
was pleased to initiate our celebrations of Ian Cohen's ten very active
years in the NSW parliament, and 20 years of the formation of the first
Greens party in Australia.
http://www.leerhiannon.org.au/blog/2005/050401_2010.htm
--------------------
IAN COHEN MLC
www.iancohen.org.au
GREENS WIN ON DESAL INQUIRY
Ian will chair an Upper House inquiry into a sustainable water supply
for
Sydney, which will include inquiring into the Kurnell desalination project.
Sylvia Hale is also on the committee. This will be an opportunity for
the
parliament to properly assess the environmental and economic effectiveness
of the proposal whilst looking at the alternatives including demand
management, recycling and rain water tanks. To view the terms of reference
or make a submission, go to
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/86E83E1C6818B274CA2570CA007D7DBB
DEBATE WITHIN GOVT RE-OPENS ON ENVIRO ISSUES
The Premier's announcements last week are a welcome re-opening of the
relationship with the environment movement but there is a lack of real
action to tackle the immediate greenhouse challenge. The Government is
reinvigorating the future vision for sustainability, but it lacks a strong
position on the hard issues, such as the energy-hungry desalination plant.
The money allocated to the environment by the Premier is less than a third
of the amount allocated to build the greenhouse polluting desalination
plant.
Strategies for marine parks, inland river systems, Crown lease purchases,
being funded by environmental trust funds, hold significant future promise.
Waste and environment levies of $6 per tonne each year for 5 years will
resource the Government on environmental programs, while lowering the
impact on landfill. The Government is getting the message on recycling
initiatives.
PARLIAMENT FINISHES WITH A BLACK DAY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
The Govt's decision to push through the retrograde Water Management
Amendment Bill means the last day of the parliament for 2005 was a black
day for the environment. The legislation turned the Water Management Act
on
its head by proposing that the environment may only get 'the water
remaining after the commitment to basic landholder rights and for
extraction have been met'. In other words, after irrigators and other
landholders have taken their allocations, some scraps may be left over
for
the environment. The bill was aimed at thwarting a High Court challenge
by
the Nature Conservation Council (the 'Gwydir' case) that was looming in
several weeks' time. That case has had to be discontinued as a result.
--------------------
SYLVIA HALE MLC
www.sylviahale.org.au
METROPOLITAN STRATEGY MISFIRES
The state government delivered its long-awaited planning strategy for
metropolitan Sydney this week. The underlying assumption is that Sydney's
population will grow by a quarter, or another 1.1 million people in the
next twenty-five years. "Promoting and managing growth" is identified
as
the main purpose of the strategy. At the same time the government is
promising to "contain Sydney's urban footprint."
The promise to "contain" the size of Sydney is deceptive. Sydney's
footprint, currently 1,700 square km, will be maintained but only on a
per
capita basis. This means the strategy assumes that Sydney will continue
to
expand geographically in proportion to its population growth. Sydney's
sprawl will increase by 25% or over 400 square km by 2031.
It is disappointing that the strategy explicitly gives up on the notion
of
trying to slow Sydney's population growth by diverting jobs and people
to
other NSW cities or regional centres. Decentralisation initiatives should
have been a major part of this strategy but instead it dismisses
decentralisation as too hard. This is a terrible capitulation by the
government.
The strategy then fails to deliver any specific detailed and integrated
infrastructure, transport, services or social amenity initiatives. There
is
plenty of talk about the need for them, but no follow-through. There is
no
commitment to fund the increase in the number of schools, hospitals, heavy
and light rail lines, community centres and playing fields that an extra
1.1. million Sydney residents will require.
The strategy delivers the worst of both worlds: big increases in population
and land use, with no commitment to provide the requisite increase in
infrastructure.
RESIDENTIAL PARKS ACT
The new Act has been passed by the parliament. Sylvia has worked closely
with residents associations to pressure the government to bring forward
this legislation. Overall the legislation is a big improvement for
residents of the parks. Additional Greens amendments on compensation,
water
charges and rent increases were supported by the cross benches but opposed
by the government and the opposition.
++++++++++++++++++++
2. Coming events involving Greens
BLUE MOUNTAINS GREENS PUBLIC FORUM: "Designing a Bill of Rights "
Do you know your rights? As an individual? As members of community groups?
These rights are under threat by the new anti-terror laws and Australia
is
one of the few western democracies without a bill of rights.
2.30 to 5.30pm, Saturday December 10th 2005
Warrimoo Citizen's Hall, Great Western Highway, Warrimoo
Hear Senator Kerry Nettle, Amber Jacobus, President Students Union UWS,
Union Council representative and others talk about threats to our civil
liberties. Music, Poetry & food
For information phone Kate 4782 2060.
--------------------
BRAIDWOOD CLIMATE CHANGE WORKSHOP: AVERTING THE GREENHOUSE CATASTROPHE
Solutions for the Home, Work, Community and Nation
4:00pm, Saturday 10 December
National Theatre, Brown St, Braidwood
The workshop will be lead by Dr John Kaye, energy academic at UNSW and
lead
senate candidate in 2004 federal election. It will look at the positive
solutions to the climate change challenge that will create a sustainable,
jobs rich future. Participants will brainstorm what can be done in the
home, at work, in the community and nationally.
Contact: John Kaye - 0407 195 455, john@nsw.greens.org.au
--------------------
SWAGMANS PICNIC
10am-2pm, Saturday 10th December, North Sydney Markets, corner of Miller
and McLaren Streets
A fun day with an important environmental message to stop land
clearing. There'll be bush poets ,a bush band, didgeridoo playing and
native wildlife plus 170 market and food stalls. Please come along and
help
make the day a huge success. For more info contact Mal Fisher on 9282
9553
--------------------
KIAMA GREENS RASPBERRY DAY
12 noon, Sunday 11th December
Wodi Wodi Wildlife Refuge, 407 Free Selectors Road, Foxground
Raspberry Day is Kiama Greens annual fundraising event.
ALL are welcome - you need not be a Greens member. Bring a plate of food
to
share, nibbles or mains or cakes. Fresh home grown organic raspberries
with
cream or yoghurt will be provided for desert.
Phone Janet or Howard for more information on 02 4234 1656 or to let
us
know that you are coming to assist with planning and to make sure that
there are enough raspberries left!
Cost $10 per person. Under 10 free (unless identified as huge eaters!)
--------------------
INVITE TO THE GREENS END OF YEAR PARTIES
SYDNEY:
6 - 8pm, Thursday 15 December
Gaelic Club - 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills (one minute from Central Station)
Complimentary snacks. Drinks can be purchased from the bar.
RSVP: 9690 2038 lesa.deleau@aph.gov.au
NORTHERN RIVERS AND NIMBIN GREENS:
3pm, Sunday 11 December
Winsome Hotel, Lismore
Families and friends welcome. Music by Mona Lizard - a local seven piece
band who are donating their services.
Enquiries: Sue Stock Ph: 6689 1148, stock_au@yahoo.com.au
++++++++++++++++++++
3. WHAT'S ON
Event information is reproduced as received, and the Greens take no
responsibility for the organisation or conduct of non-Greens events.
--------------------
NEWCASTLE BILL OF RIGHTS FORUM
Speakers from Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission, NSW Council
for Civil Liberties, Trades Hall Council, Greens, Socialist Alliance,
Multifaith Association of Newcastle and Hunter Region, United Nations
Association of Australia Hunter Region Branch, Sudanese refugee community
of Newcastle, Migrant Resource Centre of Newcastle and Hunter Region,
World
Vision, Amnesty International, New Matilda, Maitland Domestic Violence
Comittee and others.
There will be a forum on the topic "Should Australia have a Bill
of
Rights?" and refreshments provided by Newcastle City Council.
Contact Jonathan on 4967 5651 or Yvonne on 4950 4087
--------------------
REBELLION DECEMBER DECADENCE
Saturday 10th December 2005, 8.00pm till 2am
Marrickville Golf Club, Wharf Rd, Marrickville
Entry $5.00
All proceeds donated to CAAH (Community Action Against Homophobia) and
AME
(Australian Marriage Equity)
ENQUIRIES: 0439-730-414 or rebellion@dodo.com.au
--------------------
United Community Rally of Defiance on International Human Rights Day
11am SATURDAY DECEMBER 10 @ SYDNEY TOWN HALL
Launch of One Minute's Silence for Justice in support of the 'Offer of
Hope'
Noon Saturday 10 December Sydney Town Hall Square
This is an offer from Australian prisoners to governments to help break
the
cycle of destructive vengeance in our prisons.
SPEAKERS:
ADAM HOUDA - lawyer for the arrested men
KEYSAR TRAD - Islamic Friendship Ass'n of Aust
TONY PAPA - CFMEU NSW Branch
RAY JACKSON - Indigenous Social Justice Association
BRETT COLLINS - Justice Action
--------------------
Sydney Film Preview - Good Night, And Good Luck
In association with Dendy Cinemas, Rights Australia supporters have preview
of this great new film, on very timely themes, at 7.00pm Thursday December
8, at the Dendy Newtown.
$15.00, for the film and a special guest speaker - with proceeds to our
campaign work. Places are limited, and tickets are available at the Box
Office. Let us know if you're coming, by emailing: info@rightsaustralia.org.au
--------------------
RALLY FOR TRADE JUSTICE
12:30pm Tuesday 13 December
Outside the offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Angel
Place, 123 Pitt St, Sydney. The WTO Ministerial Meeting will happen in
Hong
Kong from 13 - 18 December. In the tradition of Seattle and Cancun, civil
society and developing countries are joining together to oppose the WTO
agenda that prioritises corporate interests over people and the planet.
This rally will coincide with a massive opening people's rally in Hong
Kong.
--------------------
I DREAM OF JOHNNY
The musical comedy I Dream of Johnny, now showing at the Newtown Theatre.
The play runs Tuesday-Saturday until Dec 17 and we are offering a 2-for-1
special on Tue, Wed and Thurs nights. Regular price is $25 and $20 concession.
The play is a riotous musical combining 60's psychedelia, Gilbert and
Sullivan type songs, dance routines and guest appearances from mythical
gods as it steers its protagonists- namely John Howard and Tony Abbott,
towards retribution for their policies on refugees and industrial relations.
--------------------
BYRON BAY FORUM ON ASYLUM SEEKERS
7pm, Saturday 17th December 2005
Byron Bay Community Centre, Byron Bay Summer Law School
The School of Law and Justice at Southern Cross University invites you
to a
public forum chaired by The Hon. Greg James, Former NSW Supreme Court
Justice. Speakers Include:
Julian Burnside QC, prominent human rights campaigner.
Kate Durham, Independent film-maker.
Angela Ward, UK human rights barrister and academic.
Lynda Smith, North Coast based Human Rights Activist, representing Rural
Australians for Refugees.
--------------------
SUMMER SOLSTICE 2005
Community Action against Coal and Climate Change
Thursday 22nd December 2005
4- 7pm, Civic Park, Newcastle
At 4pm on the summer solstice, join the Newcastle community protest against
coal-fired electricity generation and "shut down the power for an
hour".
Electricity production is the major source of greenhouse gas emissions
in
Australia, and therefore our largest contribution to climate change. As
a
demonstration of the alternatives to fossil fuels, there will be a
solar-powered event in Civic Park from 4pm -7pm, with stalls, bands and
speakers (yet to be announced).
This event is organised by Rising Tide, with the support of Newcastle
University Students' Association, Newcastle City Council, Hunter Community
Environment Centre, and Greenpeace.
Contact: risingtide@risingtide.org.au, 4960 9568.
--------------------
PIAC presents: "Good Night and Good Luck" Preview and fundraiser
7pm, Wednesday 14 December 2005
Dendy Newtown - 261 King St, Newtown
Admission $15
A movie that explores the politics of fear in 1950s America. Then, Senator
McCarthy led a witch-hunt against communists. Today, a new politics of
fear
is afoot and we are collectively afraid of 'terrorists'. What does it
mean
to walk in fear of one another, and at what cost?
Tickets from box office. Call Dendy on 02 9550 5699 for advance bookings.
--------------------
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PENAL ABOLITION (ICOPA XI)
9-11 February 2006 - University of Tasmania, Hobart,
Register at: http://www.justiceaction.org.au/ICOPA/ndx_icopa.html
Contact: PO BOX 386, BROADWAY NSW 2007; Email: icopa@justiceaction.org.au
Phone: 9660 9111; Fax: 9660 9100
The Australian New Zealand Society of Criminologists (ANZSOC) conference
will link in with ICOPA. It will run from 7-9 February 2006.
You can register for ANZSOC at www.cdesign.com.au/anzsoc2006/
++++++++++++++++++++
4. CAMPAIGNS
Greens campaign to restore workplace rights
Can you help put the Greens Industrial Relations Working Group in contact
with people done over by Howard's IR laws?
In 2006 the NSW Greens will step up our campaign to restore workplace
rights. The people who will be hardest hit by Howard's new industrial
relations laws will be in low paid jobs with no union protection.
Australian Workplace Agreements are already being forced on many. We are
keen to hear from people who have been done over - lost penalty rates,
forced to work unreasonable hours, had a decrease in pay.
We are keen to hear people's stories of workplace hardship - please send
details to the Convenor the Greens IR Working Group, David Shoebridge
-
dshoebridge@optusnet.com.au
--------------------
Jobs and Environment
The proceedings of last year's Jobs and Environment forum are now available
on The Greens NSW website at www.nsw.greens.org.au/jobsenviro.pdf The
forum heard from Greens, environmentalists and unionists dispelling the
myth that saving the planet would destroy economic prosperity and
employment. The proceedings offer compelling evidence that there are lots
of quality jobs in rescuing the future. If you have difficulty downloading
or reading this report, please contact John Kaye john@nsw.greens.org.au
,
0407 195 455 for a printed copy.
--------------------
DESALINATION PLANT SUBMISSIONS
Sydney Water is accepting online submissions on Sydney's Desalination
plant
until 3rd February 2006. Submissions will be forwarded to the Dept. of
Planning. The website has a myriad of fact sheets and the Environmental
Assessment for the desal plant is also on exhibition.
http://www.sydneywater.com.au/EnsuringTheFuture/Desalination/index.cfm
For more information about the Greens campaign, contact the offices of
Ian
Cohen or Sylvia Hale - details at end of email.
--------------------
Web campaigns:
Please sign the web petition to get politics out of Medicine and lift
the
ban on RU486! www.getup.org.au/campaign.asp?campaign_id=19
Visit the Save ADI site and follow links from the homepage to download
some
letters/submissions to the NSW Planning Minister and the Mayors of Penrith
and Blacktown. Copy and paste and send them to the email addresses
provided. www.adisite.org
++++++++++++++++++++
5. HOT WEBSITE TIPS
Have you taken a scroll through some Greens websites lately?
www.nsw.greens.org.au/jobsenviro.pdf
www.greens.org.au
www.kerrynettle.org.au/300_campaigns_sub.php?deptItemID=41
www.leerhiannon.org.au/campaigns/crosscity.htm
++++++++++++++++++++
6. REPORTS
Affordable Housing in NSW: Past to Present. Briefing Paper No. 14/2005
by
John Wilkinson:
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/publications.nsf/0/C43281EBA16C7F36CA2570C40003081C
--------------------
Inquiry into Infrastructure Provision in Coastal Growth Areas, Final
Report
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/3E96787730BFCABDCA2570C90017F8FC
++++++++++++++++++++
7. JOB ADVERTISEMENTS
HELP the Greens: Greenmail Working Bee
3-7pm, Saturday 10 December
Greens Office, 19 Eve St, Erskineville
This Saturday between 3-7pm we need your help to prepare our publication
'Greenmail' for distribution. Meet other members and supporters of The
Greens and make a hands-on, practical contribution to our work. These
working bees have an informal, convivial atmosphere where people stay
for
as long as they like. Food and refreshments are available for the workers.
--------------------
Volunteers Needed
If you are able to assist in organising the Australian Greens National
Council meeting to be held in Sydney in March, could please contact Debbie
Gibson at fanggibson@yahoo.com.au or 4632-7399.
--------------------
DESALINATION PLANT - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY FOR RESEARCH WORK
Volunteers needed to review papers released on the proposed Desalination
Plant. The work will be done in Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney.
Please contact Ben Oquist - 9230 2603 or benjamin.oquist@parliament.nsw.gov.au
++++++++++++++++++++
8. CONTACT DETAILS FOR GREENS MPs
Ian Cohen MLC
ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.iancohen.org.au
Ph 9230 2603 Fx 9230 2267
Sylvia Hale MLC
sylvia.hale@parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.sylvia.nsw.greens.org.au
Ph 02 9230 3030 Fax 02 9230 2159
Lee Rhiannon MLC
lee.rhiannon@parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.leerhiannon.org.au
Ph 9230 3551 Fx 9230 3550
Senator Kerry Nettle
senator.nettle@aph.gov.au
http://www.kerrynettle.org.au
Sydney Office Ph 9690 2038 Fax 9690 2041
Canberra Office Ph 6277 3501 Fx 6277 5716
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