Greens MPs E-Brief No. 101
3rd December 2003

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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

SYLVIA HALE MLC

Local Government
Sylvia's office has been focused on the Local Government Amendment Bill. The Government tabled this Bill at the last possible moment in an attempt to sneak it through. We have been firing on all cylinders to alert as many people as possible to the seriousness of this Bill. In an inspiring display of people power, we've seen councils, unions and residents responding by sending letters and petitions and rallying outside Parliament. As this email is sent, we are still waiting for the vote.

What the Bill would mean:
- Community participation in amalgamations would be abolished
- The Boundaries Commission can perform a 'snap' dissolution of a Council area without a public inquiry
- The Government could potentially gerrymander councils, because the Bill removes the need for a referendum to change in the Council's ward structure or the number of councillors
- The Minister could directly control Council's rates and income levels
- The Minister could be directly involved in Council affairs by inserting a Committee into the Council structure, with a mission and makeup decided by the Minister
- The Minister could postpone elections for up to 24 months
- The Minister could sack staff and sell off council assets after amalgamations have taken place
- Government decisions about amalgamations are exempt from court review
- Councils could pass censure motions against other Councillors possibly leading to 1-6 month suspensions from meetings and/or pay. Minority Councillors would be vulnerable to unfair suspensions by majority Councillors

Collex Waste
There has been intense community pressure against the Government's move to use legislation to overturn a Court ruling against Collex's Clyde waste dump. After hundreds rallied outside Parliament on Tuesday, the Liberals and Nationals came over to The Greens' position. Late on Thursday, however, the Government won over the four Upper House votes it needed to overturn the Court decision and give Collex what it wanted. The Christian Democrats, One Nation and the new Outdoor Recreation Party MP helped the Government ride roughshod over the court process and the community's wishes.

SENATOR KERRY NETTLE
www.kerrynettle.org.au

SENATE REFORM

We have created a 'Save Our Senate and Strengthen Democracy' flyer which has been mailed out to all Greens NSW local groups and some community groups. Submissions to the Inquiry are due by December 31 - see Kerry's website for more info.

LAKE COWAL AND THE ADI SITE

Kerry has had the chance to asked 2 Parliamentary questions without notice this fortnight and chose to ask one on Lake Cowal and one on the ADI site. For the full text of these questions, and Kerry's media releases on the questions, go to Kerry's website.

AUS-US FTA

The Government has recently indicated that negotiations may extend into next year and that Howard will consider selling off Australian culture, the wheat board and the PBS in order to secure a better deal for Australian farmers. It is crucial that we maintain the pressure on the government.

The Senate Inquiry into GATS and the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement, tabled the report, 'Voting on Trade', on November 27th. It comes out very strongly against the FTA and makes a number of recommendations to the government, including calling for greater public and parliamentary scrutiny of trade agreements the exemption of the PBS, Australian culture and GE labelling laws.

Many of the recommendations Kerry submitted to the committee were included in the report. The Australian Greens also submitted additional comments which are published with the report.

MEDICARE

On Tuesday November 25th, the Senate supported the Australian Greens' motion for the Government's Medicare package to be sent to Senate Committee, which will report on February 11th 2004.

Health Minister Tony Abbott is desperate for his bill to be passed in early December. The Democrats have not ruled out doing a deal with the Government to pass the legislation before the committee reports. They need to hear your concerns now!!

MICHAEL ORGAN MP
www.michaelorgan.org.au

And you thought this year was tough - wait 'til next year!

The Parliamentary session is now closing for the 'big break', before resuming on February 10th. Now is the time to recharge in the run-up to the Federal Election.

The last few weeks have been hectic. The dramas over the ALP leadership have meant that Labor Party speakers on Bills before the House were dropping like flies last night, which simply meant that Michael was required to present speeches with little if any notice.

On Bills, Michael spoke at some length during the debate on amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act, broadening the debate to include discussion of Section 44 of the Act, and the ability of dual citizens and public servants to stand in Federal Elections.

Michael also spoke at some length on the Media Ownership Bill, which will allow further concentration of media outlets, and will also allow increased foreign ownership of those outlets - taking ownership concentration to an unprecedented level, in a country that already has one of the highest concentrations of media ownership.

A big issue, and one that will resonate at the next election, was a Bill to further increase funding for private schools. Amendments to the State Grants Act would have provided increased funding for capital grants to private schools. This further disadvantages public education and the massive subsidisation of private education from the public purse.

The ACT Legislative Assembly's passage of industrial manslaughter legislation also puts pressure on both the Government and Opposition to support Michael's amendment to the Howard Government's Building & Construction Industry Bill, which currently shows scant regard for workplace safety. If amended, that Bill would at least then contain some measures that favour of workers instead of running against them.

Finally, a very happy festive season to everyone, and a happy and winning 2004!

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

As I write, the last sitting day of Parliament for 2003 is playing itself out. Although it's only early December and we could easily sit for another week or two, the government prefers to make us sit until the wee hours to get through the legislation. Parliament will soon be over, but of course the important work of campaigning on vital issues for NSW continues.

It appears that the government has suffered a significant defeat with its Bill to abolish Privacy NSW. Faced with a defeat in the Upper House, the Bill has simply disappeared off the radar. This is a big win for privacy protection and a blow to the government's agenda of silencing any agency which causes them embarrassment.

Labor's shallow spin tactics have been exposed again, this time in relation to the Ports Growth Plan. Announced with much fanfare some weeks back, Carr made some bold claims but was thin on detail. Frustrated by the lack of substance, I used Upper House procedures to force the release of the much-heralded Ports Growth Plan. All that came back was a collection of emails and press clippings. In other words, there never was any 'Plan' as such - just spin and superficial policy on the run.

Labor's plan, such as it is, is flawed and will not deliver the promised number of jobs to the regions. Only 50,000 containers per year are slated for Port Kembla. Yet at the same time, Transport Minister Michael Costa is pushing through a massive upgrade to Port Botany of 1.6 million extra containers per year which will be environmentally disastrous. The Greens want to see the Port Botany upgrade scrapped, and the extra work sent to Port Kembla and Newcastle along with infrastructure upgrades.

The recent Budget Estimates hearings revealed that the government spends $3 million every year on media monitoring alone. It's a blatant misuse of public money to massage their image.

IAN COHEN MLC

Broad-scale land clearing to continue
The NSW Government gave an election promise to end broad-scale land clearing. Yet under its new legislation, land clearing will continue to occur in NSW at a shocking rate. Exemptions under the new legislation will allow more than 70,000 hectares of land to be cleared each year - the equivalent of 81 suburban blocks cleared every hour.

The proposed legislation has moved so far away from the Wentworth Report that the Government committed to in February that you can only conclude dodgy deals have been done.

The NSW Government is now on its third attempt to stop land clearing, it is on its third promise to the community and the electorate to address this issue. They can be very certain that they will have a major credibility problem if they fail again.

Liberals sell Riverina short on railway sleepers
The supply of River Red Gums for railways sleepers will run out the next 20 years and The Greens have urged the Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley to quit promoting conspiracy theories and focus instead on alternatives that will create new jobs.

Sussan Ley has been spreading rumours of a "green conspiracy" in the Riverina region, but has ignored the fact that the supply of River Red Gum sleepers will run out in the next 20 years.

Wood sleepers do not meet new national rail standards and alternatives can be used to support the rail network and help create new industry in the bush.

It makes economic sense to use alternative sleepers such as polywood - which is a technology that uses 100 per cent recycled materials and is completely non-toxic. The costs of sourcing River Red Gum sleepers is simply too high - as much as $45 per sleeper.

2. COMING EVENTS INVOLVING GREENS

INVITATION for OLDER ACTIVISTS
to meet with Greens MPs

10.00 - 11.30 am
Tuesday December 16 2003
Jubilee Room, Parliament House
Macquarie St, Sydney
Morning tea and short speeches from Greens MPs
Please RSVP (02) 9230 3551 Please ring between 10 am and 5 pm Monday to Wednesday

3. WHAT'S ON

On the run in Aceh- 80 days of living dangerously

When: December 5 at 6.30pm
Where: 23 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale

William (Billy) Nessen, eye-witness to the biggest ever Indonesian armed forces offensive in Aceh, will be speaking in Sydney. His determination to report from the rebel zones led to him becoming a worldwide cause celebre when he was nearly killed by Indonesian troops, and government authorities jailed him after giving himself up after two months in Aceh. Billy spent 40 days in jail for defying Indonesian authorities.

His story can be found at: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2003/11/02/CM280194.DTL

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Sydney Dreaming 2003 The Rainmaker Creation Story
2 shows only
December 6 and 7, The Overflow at Sydney Olympic Park

Deborah Mailman, Jack Thompson, Jimmy Little and the Stiff Gins and over 100 dancers. Arts, crafts and food stalls from 6.30pm Performance 7.30pm

Free event for the whole family www.sydneydreaming.com.au

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Hunter Organics Field Day
Sat 6th December

This is our Christmas Gathering and will be held at Deidre and Tony Honson's beautiful property in Fassifern. The afternoon will start at 4pm with a question and answer session with a panel of experts and finish with a shared bbq/buffet at 6pm.

There will also be a monster Xmas raffle (bring something for the table) and plenty of time to chat and share ideas. For more information or directions please call Bill Cudby on 4996 4038.

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The Women's Reconciliation Network is planning its Annual "Spirit Event" with a shared lunch
10 December, 10-3pm
336 Collins St, Annandale, just off Johnston St (bus 470 and 435)

Info: Sally 9564 2935

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Fair Go for Will & Dave! Stop them being jailed for an anti-war protest!

Will Saunders and Dave Burgess are facing the possibility of a three year jail term for their courageous anti-war protest on March 18. Two days before the US launched its illegal invasion of Iraq, Will and Dave climbed the Opera House and painted 'No War' in a bold declaration of the mass opposition to Australian involvement. Your solidarity is needed...

DEMONSTRATE
9am Thursday December 11
District Court, Downing Centre
141-147 Liverpool St (Cnr Elizabeth St)

Ph 0409 762 081 or 0403 902 588

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Building Social Justice: How To Save Indonesia's Forests
Thursday 11 Dec 2003 7pm
Tap Gallery, Level 1, 278 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst

INDONESIA'S FORESTS ARE IN CRISIS!
Forests and indigenous peoples who rely on them are threatened by Australian mining companies and our government. Public discussion with Longgena Ginting, veteran forests campaigner and Director of Indonesia's Forum for the Evironment.

After Discussion, live performance funky vibes!
Mineral Policy Institute's Christmas Party
Discussion, music, food and drink - 7pm
Contact: MPI 0409 318 406

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Daybreak In Detention

Friday, 12 December
7.30pm at the Bondi Pavilion
For a night of films, music, readings & plays

Saturday, 13 December Bondi Park
10am-1pm Join celebrities in cages & BBQ

Organised by Amnesty International www.amnesty.org.au/getntouch/nsw-events.html

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EDO Environmental Law Workshop in Bega

Saturday 13 December 2003, 9:30am - 5:30pm
Bega Education Access Centre, 176 Auckland Street, Bega
Cost: $50 Adult; $20 Concession (Proof required)

For further information visit http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/WORKSHOP/workshop.html

To register contact Christine Palomo at christine.palomo@edo.org.au or on 1800 626 239.

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SCU Course in Activism, Social Change and Public Interest Advocacy
6 - 12 December Inclusive

The Southern Cross University School of Law and Justice is offering a university accredited unit in activism, social change and public interest advocacy at its week long Summer School at Byron Bay.

The course is the equivalent of a one semester university unit and can be counted toward a number of degrees in Australian universities. The course is taught by experienced academics, activists and professionals in the field and is intended as a practical skills based unit.

For more information contact Julie Bull, School of Law and Justice at jbull@scu.edu.au, phone (02) 6620 3104. Registration forms are available at www.scu.edu.au/schools/lawj/courses/summer_school/index.html

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The Rozelle Festival is happening on (Fri 28 in the Evening at Writers Centre in Callan Park), Sat 29 and Sun 30 Dec 2003 in Darling Street Rozelle.
For more information see- www.rozellefestival.com.au

Leichhardt Council is organizing Active Fun Day on Sun 30 Dec 2003 in King George Park, Rozelle.
See: www.lmc.nsw.gov.au

4. CAMPAIGNS

GREENS NATIONAL TARKINE WORKING GROUP - Supporting the National Tarkine Coalition:

Many members of The Australian Greens have contacted me to ask what they can do onsite in Tasmania to represent their party. Here is some information for you.

The protesting point for The Tarkine and surrounding forest areas is Eagle Hill. Pack your tent, sleeping bag and Green Triangles and show your support for this vital issue. For planned National Tarkine Coalition activities see the email address listed below.

Further actions are planned. If you would like to help please contact Matty on (03) 64350307 or email mattandniko@dodo.com.au - send your name and phone number and I will call you as soon as I am able.

Higher Ed Update

The Senate on Thursday night passed the higher education bills, following a marathon debate on hundreds of amendments. Unfortunately, the core bill of the government's package has passed - a core that enables the further privatisation of the higher education sector. This was the result of the four independent senators having done a cheap deal with the government to implement their 'reforms' after some amendment.

What this means is that the restructuring of our higher education system from one which is essentially public to one which is essentially privately funded will have passed. This means increased full fee paying domestic undergraduates, rises in HECS fees, limited indexation, improved access to government funds for small private providers, and attacks on institutional democracy.

The Greens opposed the bill in its entirety, but also put forward amendments to oppose the rise in HECS, to raise the repayment threshold to average weekly earnings, to oppose any full fees for undergraduates, reject the limit on students time at university, and defend staffs right to be represented by their union.

Greens efforts in the campaign over the past 6 months or so have been crucial in generating the momentum for the amendments that got up. Even if they do not go far enough, they represent a partial win. Despite the failure to stop the bill, we will be joining students and public education advocates to continue to put the case for an egalitarian, accessible and high quality public higher education system - a struggle we hope will deliver better results after the next federal election.

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Controversy engulfs Powerhouse Museum's 'Treasures of Palestine' exhibition

The version of this exhibition which is being shown in Sydney is heavily censored, as the information below demonstrates. In Canberra it was complete, with a resulting uproar from the right-wing Zionists.

Please let the Powerhouse and Bob Carr bob.carr@www.nsw.gov.au as Minister for the Arts know what you think. The Powerhouse Museum site is http://www.phm.gov.au/feedback/

Or you can send a message to info@phm.gov.au

The Lateline transcript of the story can be found at http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2003/s991146.htm

Lee Rhiannon MLC interrogated senior bureaucrats about this issue at an Budget Estimates hearing on Monday December 1st. Check out the transcript of the hearing (Premier's Dept - supplementary) at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au (look for General Purpose Standing Committee No.1, then click on reports/records).

5. HOT WEBSITE TIP

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

http://www.hazards.org/deadlybusiness/

http:/weblog.greenpeace.org/tasmania

6. REPORTS

The latest Parliamentary Research Paper: Horizontal Fiscal Equalisation by John Wilkinson is available at:
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/web/PHWebContent.nsf/PHPages/ResearchBf212003?OpenDocument

7. JOB VACANCIES OR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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

Greens MPs E-Brief No. 101
3 December 2003

This is the last E-Brief for 2003. The first edition of the 2004 E-Brief will arrive in your inbox on Thursday, 29th January. Have a safe, happy and Green festive season from Sylvia, Ian, Lee, Michael, Kerry and all of their staff.

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