Greens MPs E-Brief No. 105
12th March 2004

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IN THIS E-BRIEF

1. From the offices of the Greens MPs in NSW
2. Coming events involving Greens MPs
3. What's on?
4. Campaigns
5. Hot website tip
6. Reports Just Released
7. Job Vacancies or Volunteers needed
8. Contact details for Greens MPs

1. FROM THE OFFICES OF GREENS MPs IN NSW

IAN COHEN MLC

Government stalls on Aboriginal stolen wages
Despite the assurances of the NSW Premier in Parliament, Aboriginal people are no closer this week to receiving hundreds of millions of dollars they have been denied for decades. The payback scheme has been stalled since 2001.

Ian has tabled a motion in parliament for an internal ministerial proposal to payback the money that was systematically stolen from Aboriginal people by government agencies prior to 1969. This motion is an attempt to set the ball rolling, finally, for justice to be provided to the thousands of Aboriginal workers in NSW who had their wages stolen.

Irrigators' lifetime deal
The State government's plan to give away billions of dollars of valuable water entitlements threatens the future health of river systems and will create a wealthy elite amongst the farming community. A perpetual licence system in NSW will hand the irrigation industry a guarantee of water that no one else in the farming community or any other industry can receive. This cosy deal ignores the reality of stressed river systems and fluctuating availability of water during drought.

No more studies!
The Grey Nurse Shark has taken another step closer to extinction after the NSW Government announced this week yet another study into its decline instead of greater protection to save it. The NSW Premier announced a new study of the Grey Nurse Shark involving a tracking device, the 10th study in NSW since 1996, further delaying measures to prevent extinction of the species.

A 1000 metre protection zone, free of all fishing, is the minimum needed to halt the slide into extinction of the critically endangered Grey Nurse Shark.

SYLVIA HALE MLC

The parliamentary sitting week has been very successful on two major issues: Sylvia's call for papers on the Luna Park development application, and the joint Greens/Opposition (we had the idea, they had the numbers) call for papers on the forced amalgamation of the City of Sydney and South Sydney Councils.

On both issues the Government has displayed the special hallmarks of its style - secrecy and underhanded tactics. The Luna Park development application, lodged over six weeks ago by developer Metro Edgley - Multiplex, still hasn't been made public despite repeated calls from North Sydney council and legal obligation to do so. Little surprise to discover that Multiplex are generous donors to the Labor Government, with over $350,000 in the last five years.

The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority has done its best to make the documents unavailable, but Metro Edgely did its own spin, calling a media conference to publicise the development.

This iconic site, originally dedicated to the children of the Bridge workers and the people of Sydney, is being destroyed bit by bit. Comparisons with the Toaster disaster are not unwarranted. The newest Luna Park proposal is a 14 storey "chirpy" yellow building that effectively destroys the northern views from Circular Quay, blocks winter sun to the pool, destroys the Moreton Bay Figs and makes the developers buckets of cash.

Also successful this week was a Greens/Opposition move to call for all documents relating to the merger of the Sydney City council. A quick count of boundary commission submissions revealed that a massive 96% were against amalgamation, yet it happened anyway. Another guilty secret for the Government aired in public! Both sets of papers will be available in 14 days.

Sylvia visits Glen Innes for a public meeting this weekend. This amalgamated council area has had an administrator installed but has absolutely no time table for elections set in place. She will also visit Coffs Harbour and Bellingen to support local candidates.

SENATOR KERRY NETTLE
http://www.kerrynettle.org.au

Defending public education
Kerry challenged the government in Parliament and in the media on the boosting of non-government school funding at the expense of public schools. The latest announcement saw the public schools sector share of Commonwealth spending drop from 29% to 26%.

Threat of Free Trade Agreement Confirmed
The release of Free Trade deal text confirmed our worst fears. The deal will bind future Australian governments, state and federal, by effectively giving the US government power to change Australian policy or seek massive compensation. Kerry and Bob slammed the deal in the media and parliament.

Workers slugged by Democrats deal
Two draconian industrial relations bills, which included powers to disqualify jail of union officials, were voted down in the Senate. However, despite trenchant debate and arguments by the Greens, a Democrats deal allowed the government to push through its transmission of business bill and new powers for the AIRC to make interim orders. The new law will mean employees' certified agreements will not necessarily transfer when a business is sold, allowing employers to undermine workers wages and conditions.

IN PARLIAMENT (All speeches available on www.kerrynettle.org.au)

Health: Kerry spoke several times in Parliament and in the media on the Medicare legislation - a deal that effectively spells the end of the universality of Medicare and instead brings in a two-tiered health care system.

International Women's Day: Kerry highlighted the valuable work of the NSW Rape Crisis Centre and its current efforts to secure funding for an online counselling service. She also outlined the Greens' Paid Parental Leave policy and again called on the government to scrap its regressive Baby Bonus and use the funds to commit to a comprehensive national paid maternity leave scheme.

Social Security: The Senate passed an amendment by Kerry condemning the government for not extending rent assistance to Austudy recipients.

MICHAEL ORGAN MP
http://www.michaelorgan.org.au

Michael is back in his electorate office after a hectic two weeks in Canberra. In the last sitting fortnight, Michael has spoken on 17 occasions and lodged two questions on notice.

He was instrumental in forcing a division on the Greater Sunrise Unitisation Agreement Implementation Bill, which deals with Australia and East Timor's sharing of a petroleum gas field in the Timor Sea. The ALP voted in support of the government, despite concerns that the legislation is designed to apply unreasonable pressure on the East Timor government.

Michael spoke against privatisation of Telstra, the detention of asylum seekers and international transfer of prisoners, the Senate poverty inquiry and climate change. He asked two questions without notice, one on transport infrastructure relating to Port Kembla expansion and one regarding reports that the ABC is considering axing its Radio National network.

Michael introduced his Private Members Bill to establish a Royal Commission into the invasion of Iraq, and spoke on the report into ASIO, ASIS and DSD intelligence on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

Michael also took the opportunity to refute a claim by a government member, Bruce Billson the member for Dunkley, that he hadn't asked any questions on the environment since he was elected. Michael pointed out that in fact his first question without notice dealt with the environmental impact of the transport of spent nuclear fuel rods from Lucas Heights and that four other questions also dealt with environmental matters.

His brief time in the electorate was taken up by an inspection of BHP Billiton mining operations at West Cliff colliery, meetings with individual constituents on a range of issues, attending a meeting of the Illawarra Commuters Association, a surf carnival and the launch of the Red Cross Calling appeal to which he made the first donation.

LEE RHIANNON MLC
www.lee.greens.org.au

After a lively debate our private members bill to ban political donations from developers was defeated in Parliament by the combined forces of Labor and the Coalition parties. We did win strong support from the crossbenchers. It is not surprising that the major parties combined forces, considering they are so dependent on corporate donations. Our campaign is continuing with more information going up on the website shortly.

The Greens MPs have a long track record working to raise the parliamentary standards - in debate, process and behaviour. This week Lee moved to set up a new rule so drunk MPs could be removed from the House. Within a few hours of that motion being defeated by the combined vote of the major parties there was a crisis in the Lower House about MPs drunk on the job. We will now ask that a Parliamentary Committee consider how to change the drinking culture of Parliament. It is not acceptable for teachers, train drivers, or nurses to drink on the job. So why is it OK for politicians?

With the lack of leadership and the problems besetting this state Labor government we are sometimes left wondering if they are drunk on power. Transport, health and education are being poorly managed. The Premier is showing more than a touch of desperation recycling old rail stories in a desperate attempt to get a good news headline. His 'announcement' concerning the Bondi Junction turnback was detailed in last year's budget. His 'announcement' that the rail network would be divided into five lines was unveiled last August by Transport Minister Michael Costa.

Lee congratulated teachers for the strike action over the increase in student fees. The Carr Government's failure to reconsider its TAFE fee increases left teachers no option but to strike. Lee has been busy with the Serious Injury and Death in the Workplace Inquiry and Parliamentary sittings. She is looking forward to making more regional and rural visits in the non-sitting week.

2. COMING EVENTS INVOLVING GREENS

FORUM ON COUNCIL AMALGAMATIONS - SYLVIA HALE, GREENS MLC

Shotgun Wedding or Love Match? Who wins and who loses in council amalgamations? Chaired by Sylvia Hale, Greens MLC.

Speakers include:
Phyllis Miller - President, Shires Association
Ben Kruse - United Services Union
Genia McCaffrey - Mayor, North Sydney
Ken Morrison - Property Council of NSW
Don Cummins - Former Mayor Delatite Shire (Victorian council amalgamated and then de-amalgamated)

Where: Jubilee Room, NSW Parliament House
When: Wednesday 17th March, 6-9pm
Contact: Sylvia Hale's office - 9230 3030

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FORUM: WHERE TO FOR WORKERS¹ RIGHTS, WOMEN¹S RIGHTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN IRAQ?
Senator Kerry Nettle will be addressing this forum, along with people who live and work in Iraq.

Panel includes:
LAYLA MOHAMMED Organisation for Women¹s Freedom in Iraq
JALAL MOHAMAD Unemployed Union of Iraq
KASSIM ABOUD Communist Party of Iraq
SEN. KERRY NETTLE Greens foreign affairs spokesperson
KAREN ISLES CFMEU organiser/feminist activist

Saturday March 20, 3.30-5.30pm
Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire St. Surry Hills
Contact: Janet Burstall - 9555 7704(h), 9448 2303(w), 0428 957 704(m)

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ACTION OUTSIDE TARONGA ZOO - "NO NEW ELEPHANTS FOR TARONGA!"

Bring placards and banners. We will be asking visitors to the zoo to sign letters to both the State and Federal Environment Ministers asking them not to consent to the importation of elephants.

11am, Sunday 21 March 2004, outside Taronga Zoo's main entrance (where the carpark is)

Go to Lee's website to read more about the campaign to stop Taronga Zoo importing elephants from Thailand: http://www.lee.greens.org.au

This is a joint action together with Animal Liberation and International League for the Protection of Animals.

More info: Cate Faehrmann 0412 207 043 or lee.rhiannon@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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DISCRIMINATION: CLEANING UP THE ACT

Come to the launch of Lee Rhiannon's Anti-Discrimination (Equality in Education and Employment) Amendment Bill. The bill will scrap the exemption to the Anti-Discrimination Act enjoyed by private schools and by businesses with fewer than six employees, which allows those institutions to discriminate on the basis of sexuality.

1pm, Monday 22 March 2004
Jubilee Room, Parliament House
Macquarie St, Sydney

Please RSVP by Thursday, 18 March to Linda Wilhelm 9230 3551 or linda.wilhelm@parliament.nsw.gov.au

3. WHAT'S ON

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!
Please come along and join us as we march under the "Greens women" banner. Bring your friends!

Saturday 13 March 2003
Assemble at Town Hall at 11am and March to Hyde Park.

Contact: Cate Faehrmann 0412 207 043

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REDFERN RESIDENTS FOR RECONCILIATION MEETING
Join us to plan for Reconciliation Week at The Block.

Meeting: Wednesday, March 17 2004, 7.00 pm
Meeting Room, Redfern Community Centre
Corner Hugo and Caroline Streets, Redfern

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THE NON-VIOLENT ROAD TO PEACE IN PALESTINE

Palestinian ISM coordinator and youth Worker, Saif Abukeshek, will talk about the work of the non-violent, Palestinian-led International Solidarity Movement and his work with children in the Nablus refugee camps.

7.30pm, Thursday 18th March
LHMU Auditorium, 187 Thomas St, Haymarket

Further information: Australians for Justice and Peace in Palestine http://www.ajpp.canberra.net.au.
Ph 0417 269 984

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LUCAS HEIGHTS COMMUNITY PLANNING SESSION

We are looking for fresh ideas in this new stage of the campaign to protect our community and to encourage new people to get involved. The session will include: what have we achieved, what are our strengths and weaknesses, where can we make improvements, how can we move forward?

You are invited to attend a planning session at:
Sutherland Shire Council,
Level 2, Room 202, Eton Street, Sutherland
Date: Thursday March 18, 2004.
Registration and refreshments: 6:00pm, start: 6:30pm (sharp), finish 9:30pm

RSVP to priceman@acay.com.au or to PANR Office telephone: 02 9521 8311 www.cat.org.au/panr

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FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE INVASION OF IRAQ - GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION
Saturday, March 20

12noon - March and Rally
Assemble at Hyde Park North. March through the city back to Hyde Park
Speakers include John Pilger, Andrew Wilkie, Senator Kerry Nettle, Saif Abu Keshek

For more information about the peace movement in NSW visit http://www.labor.net.au/campaigns/nowar/nowar.html.

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WALK AGAINST WANT ORGANISED BY OXFAM COMMUNITY AID ABROAD.

Walk Against Want helps raise money for emergency relief and community development programs supported by Oxfam Community Aid Abroad as well as promoting co- operative self-help and fair-trading opportunities.

Where: Victoria Park, Broadway.
When: Sunday, March 21, 2004 at 10am.
Contact: Event Coordinator: Kim Bullimore.
Telephone: 8204 3905. E-mail: kbullimore@sydney.caa.org.au

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THE $500 BILLION DOLLAR QUESTION: THE IMPACT OF DEBT ON THE POOR IN THE ASIA REGION AND BEYOND.

Keynote address by Peter Garret addressing the impacts of debt on the environment. Other speakers include:
Prof Ross Buckley, Fisher Centre Bond University
Prof. Leonor Briones, Former Head of the Philippines Treasury
David Nellor, Senior Resident, IMF, Indonesia (tbc)
Prof. Jomo K.S., University of Malaya

When: Wednesday 24 March 2004, 9.00 am - 3.30 pm.
Where: Mallesons Stephen Jaques, L60, Governor Philip Tower, Young St, Sydney
RSVP: 15th March to jubilee@ncca.org.au
Cost: $77.00, NGO/individual: $44.00, Concession: $22.00
For the flyer please go to http://www.aidwatch.org.au. Feel free to distribute.

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SYDNEY SOCIAL FORUM 2004 - WORLD SOCIAL FORUM REPORTBACK & FUNDRAISER

Over 100, 000 people attended the fourth World Social Forum this January in Mumbai, India, to discuss issues of global peace, economic justice and the environment. Come and see video footage from the WSF, hear report backs from Phil Gomes (SSF delegate to WSF) and Kylie Witt (Marrickville Peace Group) and make merry to the smooth sounds of DJs Rainman and Steve B.

When: Wednesday March 24th 6.30pm
Where: Gaellic Club, 64 Devonshire St, Surrey Hills

Cost: $5/$7. Contact: http://www.sydneysocialforum.org or Vince at info@sydneysocialforum.org

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ENVIRO 2004

The Enviro 2004 Convention & Exhibition is the premier industry forum on sustainability for 2004. It is a platform for five environment industry associations to run their annual or biennial conferences and showcase their technology, products, services and research in a combined trade exhibition.

When: 28 March - 1 April
Where: Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre Darling Harbour

For registration and program details visit: www.enviroaust.net/e4

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FORUM: WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN NSW

Our rights, Our Voices is an opportunity for women and community groups who work with women to have their say about their experiences. Our findings will go into a written report to the United Nations - as part of the "Women's Report Card" project.

30 March 2004
Holroyd Centre, Miller Street, Merrylands

More information: Phone 02 9211 2599 Email: info@ncoss.org.au

4. CAMPAIGNS

GE CANOLA MENACE: Keep Australia's food crops GE-free

Australia's first genetically engineered (GE) food crop, canola, threatens our GE-free status in food. Despite laws and a moratorium to prevent GE canola being grown in NSW, the state Labor government appears set to use a loophole in the law to approve large-scale releases of at least 3,500 hectares across 70 sites in the state.

NSW Premier Bob Carr last year promised to maintain the three year moratorium against GE canola planting in the state. Make sure he keeps his promise by not allowing Minister McDonald to approve the trial.

Send a message to NSW Premier Carr. Urge him to stop the proposed 3500-5000 hectare releases of GE canola in NSW.

Premier Bob Carr
Level 40, Governor Macquarie Tower,
1 Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000.
T: 02 9228 5239 F: 02 9228 3935 Email: bob.carr@www.nsw.gov.au

5. HOT WEBSITE TIP

Want to share your favourite website? - Send in your hot tips.

See Bob Brown's campaign materials for Tassie forests campaign:
http://www.bobbrown.org.au/300_campaigns_sub.php?deptItemID=7

http://www.ecospecifier.org

6. REPORTS

"Sentencing drink-drivers: The use of dismissals and conditional discharges" released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research:
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/bocsar1.nsf/pages/cjb81_0

7. JOB VACANCIES OR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

JOIN THE GREENS PROTEST E-GROUP

Your Greens parliamentarians are seeking willing helpers and participants for a series of protests planned for 2004. These will include protests at company AGMs (annual general meetings) about political donations and/or controversial property developments.

We would like to set up a database of people who are willing to take part on an occasional or regular basis in protests of this kind. If you are interested, please email lee.rhiannon@parliament.nsw.gov.au

8. CONTACT DETAILS FOR GREENS MPs

Michael Organ MP - Member for Cunningham
Michael.Organ.MP@APH.Gov.Au
Illawarra Office Ph 4228 3666 Fx 4228 3677
Parliament Office Ph 6277 4366 Fx 6277 8472
http://www.michaelorgan.org.au

Lee Rhiannon MLC
lee.rhiannon@parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.lee.greens.org.au
Ph 9230 3551 Fx 9230 3550

Ian Cohen MLC
ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Ph 9230 2603 Fx 9230 2267

Sylvia Hale MLC
sylvia.hale@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Ph 02 9230 3030 Fax 02 9230 2159

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

END