Greens Parliamentary E-Brief No. 79
30 January 2003

*** No War Actions ***

Giant Rally for Peace
Sunday 16 February - Assemble 12 Noon At Hyde Park North

Emergency Action The Day Bombing Starts
Assemble 5pm At Sydney Town Hall

For more actions check out http://www.greens.org.au

IN THIS E-BRIEF

1. Updates
2. Calendar of No War actions
3. Greens media
4. Greens in Parliament
5. What's on?
6. Websites plus
7. Jobs vacant
8. Reports
9. Contact details for Greens MPs

If you do not wish to continue receiving e-briefs, please reply with "E-BRIEF UNSUBSCRIBE" as the subject.

1. UPDATES

NO WAR - JOIN THE PROTESTS

President Bush in his State of the Union speech failed to explain how Iraq is a threat to global security and what a pre-emptive strike would achieve. But still the march to war builds in the face of a huge and growing worldwide No War movement. Polls in Australia show 69% opposed to a US-led war, with 30% opposed to a UN-led war. The next weekend of global actions is February 15 and 16. in Sydney, Sunday 16 February is the date for what is shaping up to be one of the biggest rallies Sydney has seen. Senator Kerry Nettle's office is playing a key role in the No War movement providing flyers, posters, kits, and other material for distribution.

GREENS DRUG POLICY LAUNCH

The Greens' drug policy, launched this week by Greens MPs Ian Cohen and Lee Rhiannon, sets out a clear plan that would reduce corruption, help build safer communities and save lives. The policy calls for: policing reoriented away from personal-use prosecutions and towards dismantling organised crime syndicates, decriminalisation of cannabis, rehabilitation-based heroin trials to registered addicts, a blanket ban on alcohol, tobacco and other drug sponsorship and promotion, and repeal of Police Powers (Drug Detection Dogs) Act, so sniffer dogs are used for targeting major crime and not general sweeps of clubs, trains and public places.

ASIO BILL FAILS

The final days of Senate sitting before the summer break were dominated by the debate over the Government's proposed ASIO Bill. The ASIO 'secret police' Bill failed to get passed during a mammoth 27 hour sitting on the last day of Parliament, in no small part due to the Greens work in the Senate and in support of a vociferous community campaign against the draconian measures. Both Bob Brown and Kerry Nettle spoke many times during the debate to highlight the critical blow to civil liberties that both the Government and ALP were considering. The pressure we brought to bear ensured that the ALP position, whilst still appalling, was watered down beyond what the Government would accept and so the Bill was set aside. The Bill will almost certainly be brought back to the Senate in the coming weeks where the Government will exploit the war rhetoric laden atmosphere to soften up the ALP and get the Bill passed. The Greens will remain vigilant, keeping the pressure on to protect our hard won civil liberties.

PROTECTION FOR ILLAWARRA ESCARPMENT

Michael Organ MP, Member for Cunningham has called upon the NSW State Government to transfer high conservation land along the escarpment between Coalcliff and Scarborough to the National Parks and Wildlife Service for preservation. Michael has joined with the Coalcliff Community Association in seeking to quarantine the Illawarra Escarpment from development.

PHARMACEUTICAL BENEFITS SCHEME

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), one of the key pillars of public healthcare in Australia, provides life saving access to medicines for many chronically ill and elderly people. Yet the Coalition is hell bent on making it more expensive by increasing the co-payment that patients pay at the pharmacy. Unsurprisingly the justification for this change is chillingly economic, but the facts to back up the Treasurer's assertion that the PBS is unaffordable are not forthcoming. Consequently Kerry Nettle has called for a wide-ranging inquiry into the PBS to be completed before and legislation is passed. The Senate's consideration of this request will continue next week.

2. CALENDAR OF NO WAR ACTIONS

Saturday 1st February
Anti-War Protest, 12 noon, Newtown Bridge (King St)
targeting Sikorsky Aircraft Corp (makers of Black Hawks)
Contact Minh Nguyen, peace@acmica.org or Colin Hesse ph: 0405 009 435

Saturday 1st February
Leichhardt Walk Against the War
Leichhardt Town Hall, Norton Street, 7:30pm
Please bring a candle
Contact Leichhardt Stop the War Group ph: 0418 668 098

Sunday 9th February
Public Meeting
Greek Australian Peace Committee
5pm, at the Cyprus Community Club, 58 Stanmore Rd, Stanmore
Speakers include Senator Kerry Nettle

Saturday 15th February
Rally in Lismore
10am, start at Spinks Park, Lismore
Contact Summerland Greens ph: 6621-3476

Sunday 16th February
Forum - Middle East and Iraq
6pm, 50 Susan Street, Auburn
Australian Turkish and Kurdish Community Services
Speakers include Senator Kerry Nettle

Sunday 16th February
International Weekend of Action
Giant Rally 12noon Hyde Park North
Contact: Senator.Nettle@aph.gov.au ph: 9241 6663

Saturday 8th March
Women Against War and Racism Rally
As part of International Women's Day
Details TBA
Please contact Senator Nettle's office closer to the date

3. GREENS MEDIA

Remember that you can sign up to have all Greens Media Releases emailed straight to your inbox at http://www.greens.org.au

Media Releases (first paragraph only) put out since October 3 below.

For the full text of a Media Release email dan.cass@parliament.nsw.gov.au or visit http://www.nsw.greens.org.au/lee or http://www.nsw.greens.org.au/ian

29 January 2003

Greens launch drugs policy

Greens MPs Ian Cohen and Lee Rhiannon today launched the Greens drugs policy for the 2003 State election saying that it offered a way to undermine corruption and organised crime at the same time as minimising the negative impact of drugs on users and the community. Mr Cohen said, "If we treat drugs as a health and social issue then we can stop them creating a crime problem. The Greens want the major parties to make harm minimisation the central philosophy of drug policy, not just the justification for a few small diversionary programmes.;

29 January 2003

Greens call for a focus on community protection, not petty politics

Greens MLC Ian Cohen said today that the NSW Coalition continues to try and score cheap political points rather than trying to work with the government to assist communities in fire-proofing their homes against future threats.

28 January 2003

NSW Government risks destruction of Goonoo State Forest and Pilliga

The failure of the Carr Labor Government to protect old growth forests of Goonoo State Forest and The Pilliga, some of the last remaining west of the Divide, threatens extinction for animal and plant species and opportunities for regional communities to attract tourism to the region, Greens MLC Ian Cohen said today. "The magnificent ironbark and box woodlands of the Goonoo and Pilliga are being cleared for use as firewood and fence posts," Mr Cohen said.

28 January 2003

Nuclear threat demands Howard bring troops home.

Senator Kerry Nettle has today called on Prime Minister John Howard to follow his own rule concerning the use of nuclear weapons in an attack on Iraq, and order the Australian forces home. "Given the Pentagon's preparation for the possible use of nuclear weapons in Iraq the Prime Minister must withdraw Australian troops as he promised to do last week on the ABC's 7.30 Report," Senator Nettle said.

28 January 2003

Elevate the debate, say Greens

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today called on the major parties to have a moratorium on using divisive language and personal crime tragedies in the election campaign. Ms Rhiannon said, "Bob Carr and John Brogden have a responsibility to elevate the debate and present a unifying message in this election campaign. It would be very cynical if the major parties started to play different messages to different demographics through different media channels.

28 January 2003

NSW should take share of Iraq War refugees: Greens

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said today that Premier Bob Carr should make a commitment that NSW will accommodate its fair share of refugees if Iraq is invaded. Ms Rhiannon said, "Bob Carr ought to follow up the generous ideas contained in his Australia Day reflections with generous actions. The Premier should now offer to accommodate a fair share of the refugees who will be looking for safe haven and a new start if Australia joins in a US invasion.

26 January 2003

No place for Hanson in NSW

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has warned that any attempt by Pauline Hanson to enter NSW politics will only add to the already dangerous divisions in Australian society. "The Iraq war and the war on terrorism have enflamed divisions and racial tensions to new levels. Racist attacks against mosques and synagogues have increased.

24 January 2003

Greens want Labor, Liberal to go purple for peace

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today called on Premier Bob Carr and Opposition Leader John Brogden to join the purple Ribbons for Peace campaign which is being launched today in a 20 metre banner drop on a Sydney building site. Ms Rhiannon said, "Both major parties have said that while they differ on the timing and mandate of a war against Iraq, they both support peace so there is no excuse to shun the ribbon. Labor, Liberal and all politicians should wear a ribbon for peace.

23 January 2003

Electoral Commissioner must respond to ICAC

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said today that the Electoral Commissioner must respond to the ICAC hearings into Malcolm Jones' Outdoor Recreation Party. Ms Rhiannon said, "Two of the parties linked to Malcolm Jones are still eligible to contest the election. The Four Wheel Drive Party and the Horse Riders Party are still registered, despite other Malcolm Jones parties such as the Stop the Greenies Party being prevented from running.

23 January 2003

Organ joins protest against John Howard farewelling troops

Member for Cunningham Michael Organ joined hundreds of protesters in Sydney today as John Howard farewelled troops leaving to support George Bush's looming attack on Iraq. Michael Organ spoke at a rally at Cowper Wharf in Woolloomooloo today as the HMAS Kanimbla departed for the Gulf, carrying an unknown number of Australian troops into a potential war with Iraq. Michael Organ said: "The majority of Australians do not support this war. John Howard should not be sending Australian troops to the Gulf.

23 January 2003

Michael Organ calls for escarpment land to be added to National Park

Michael Organ MP, Member for Cunningham today called upon the NSW State Government to transfer high conservation land along the escarpment between Coalcliff and Scarborough to the National Parks and Wildlife Service for preservation. In doing this, Mr Organ has joined with the Coalcliff Community Association in seeking to quarantine this area from development.

23 January 2003

Rhiannon congratulates Council for shooting stance

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has congratulated Eurobodalla Shire Council for voting to oppose the Narooma shooting complex. The proposed mega shooting complex near Narooma on the Far South Coast of NSW received a major set back on Tuesday 21st January when the Eurobodalla Shire Council voted unanimously to oppose the Development Application at the pending Commission of Inquiry.

23 January 2003

PM puts Australian lives up for US hire

Senator Kerry Nettle, joining peace protesters at the departure of the HMAS Kanimbla today, condemned the Prime Minister's 'wilful evasion of parliamentary debate' on Australia's involvement in a war with Iraq. "These troops are employees of the Australian people, not the US government, and any deployment to a war zone ought to be a decision of the federal parliament. The US congress has been given the opportunity to debate this issue but not the Australian Parliament or Australian people.

22 January 2003

Troop Deployment Insult to Australian People

Senator Kerry Nettle has described The Government's deployment of troops to the gulf tomorrow, against the will of the majority of Australians, as 'an insult to the Australian people,' and 'contemptuous of democracy'. "The Prime Minister, and his government are far more concerned with being at the massacre on time than hearing the concerns of the Australian people." Senator Nettle said.

22 January 2003

Organ allays capital gains tax concerns

Today Michael Organ has sought to clarify the Australian Greens policy on capital gains tax and luxury homes. There have been some concerns expressed about how this tax would impact upon home owners in the Illawarra, particularly in the northern suburbs. Michael Organ said, "The people of the Illawarra have no cause for concern in regard to this policy. The Greens represent the interests of the average working person and their family.

21 January 2003

Greens MP Michael Organ launches a clothing donation appeal for bushfire victims

Michael Organ, Member for Cunningham has opened his electorate office doors to accept clothing donations for Canberra bushfire victims. Clothing donations will then be presented to charity groups in Canberra by Michael on behalf of the people of the Illawarra.

20 January 2003

Chikarovski resignation puts spotlight on need for more women MPs

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today used the occasion of the departure of former Liberal leader Ms Chikarovski to call on Labor to raise the status of women in the NSW Parliament. "My first thought is to congratulate Ms Chikarovski and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. By weathering much unfair abuse in the media, in the Parliament and in the public eye Ms Chikarovski has laid the ground work for more women to enter politics from all parties.

20 January 2003

National pig campaign launched

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon took part today in the launch of a national campaign to ban the cruel agricultural practice of confining pregnant pigs in tiny 'sow stalls' where they are unable to move. Ms Rhiannon said, "The Greens are calling on Agricultural Minister Richard Amery to push for a ban as part of the current national review.

19 January 2003

Brogden's public school performance tables give free kick to private schools

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today slammed Opposition Leader John Brogden's plan to publish performance data on individual government schools. She said his approach was discriminatory against public education. Ms Rhiannon said, "The Coalition has yet again displayed its bias against public education. By holding up those government schools that do have problems to public ridicule, a Brogden administration would place further pressure on parents to put their children into private schools.

18 January 2003

Greens out Carr on radiation downgrade

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today called on the Labor Government to oppose Australia's nuclear watchdog downgrading safety standards in the event of an accident or sabotage involving the Lucas Heights reactor. Ms Rhiannon said, "This will become an election issue because the Commonwealth Government is pushing to build a new reactor at Lucas Heights and then ship the nuclear waste through Southern Sydney, across the Blue Mountains and western NSW.

4. GREENS IN PARLIAMENT

Full details of sitting dates, speeches and questions are available at the parliamentary websites (details below). Please note Greens MPs ask many Questions on Notice - these are too numerous to list here. These can also be found at the parliamentary websites.

Federal Parliament

http://www.aph.gov.au/

For a complete list of Senators http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/senators/los.pdf

For a complete list of members of the House of Representatives http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/memlist120802.pdf

Senator Kerry Nettle

Speeches
5.12.02 Research Involving Embryos Bill 2002
10-13.12.02 ASIO Amendment (Terrorism) Bill 2002
12.12.02 Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment (Special Benefit Activity Test) Bill 2002
12.12.02 Workplace Relations Amendment (Fair Termination) Bill 2002
12.12.02 Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment (Australians Working Together and Other 2001 Budget Measures) Bill (No 2) 2002

Questions
Question to Robert Hill, Minister representing Environment Minister, about land clearing and the Council of Australian Governments' meeting - 5 December 2002.

Notices

• Requiring the Minister for Health and the Minister for Trade to present documents concerning the Inter-Departmental Committee examining the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and the PBS being raised in discussions about a Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the United States - 3 December 2002.

• Establishing an inquiry into the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme - notice given 2 December 2002, postponed to 6 February 2003.

• Establishing an independent judicial inquiry in the People Smuggling Disruption Program and calling on the Government to implement all recommendations in the report on a Certain Maritime Incident, joint motion with Labor, Australian Democrats, Independents and Senator Brown - 11 December 2002.

• Recognising International Human Rights Day and condemning the Australian Government's record in the field of human rights - 10 December 2002.

• Calling on the Australian Government to urgently take steps to secure the return to Australia of David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib from Camp X-Ray - 10 December 2002.

• Condemning the Environment Minister's decision to approve the construction and operation of a gamma radiation sterilisation food plant in Narangba, Qld - 12 December 2002.

Michael Organ MP will give his first speech on Thursday 6th February.

NSW Parliament

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au

For a complete list of Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly members http://bulletin/prod/web/phweb.nsf/frames/members

NSW State Parliament will not sit again until after the election.

5. WHAT'S ON

Please note - information about events is reproduced here as received, and the Greens are not responsible for the organisation or conduct of non-Greens events.

SPANNR CONVERGENCE
(Sydney People Against a New Nuclear Reactor)

SPANNR CONVERGENCE 2nd-10th Feburary. Bring your pillow and sleeping bag. Meet 10am Sunday 2nd February Sutherland train station car park or 11am at the Reactor - New Illawarra Rd, Lucas Heights.
Sunday 12noon nuclear picnic. PANR (People Against a Nuclear Reactor) Welcome and Iodine campaign launch.
Monday 6am to 10am community picket. Other events to be announced, see www.spannr

FIRST SPEECH OF MICHAEL ORGAN

All welcome - first speech of Michael Organ, first Greens member of the House of Representatives

Thursday 6th February at 11am (approx), Parliament House, Canberra A reception with drinks and nibblies will be held afterwards, to give people a chance to speak to Michael informally plus celebrate our historic victory!

RSVP - (02) 4283 7300 or carol.berry@aph.gov.au If you are looking for a lift a bus will be leaving from Wollongong station. Ring the above number for details.

International Day of Action against Adidas

February 8th is the International Day of Action against Adidas and their use of kangaroo skins for soccer boots and other sporting goods.

Adidas is one of the world's leading users of kangaroo leather. We would like Adidas to stop use kangaroo skins for their sporting goods and move towards many of the widely available synthetic options. To make this point an international day of action has been set down for February and the Sydney details are as follows:

Date: Saturday 8th February 2003
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Place: Outside Rebel Sports Broadway, Cnr Bay Streets and Broadway at Broadway
Further Information: e-mail admin@wlpa.org or contact the World League office on 9817 4892.

Invite to older activists

Morning tea and talk by Lee Rhiannon
10.00 - 11.30 am
Monday 17 February 2003
Jubilee Room, Parliament House Macquarie St, Sydney
Please RSVP - 9230 3551

Ecopella

Ecopella, the Sydney-based environmental a cappella choir directed by Miguel Heatwole, is launching its first CD 'An Organism Called Earth', with 17 tracks of glorious harmony, passion and humour.

When? Saturday 1 March, from 7.30pm
Where? Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, opposite Newtown train station

Ecopella will be supported on the night by the dynamic duo of British/Australian folk music, Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, and by John Warner, well-known local singer/songwriter who has penned some fine songs about the environment. Refreshments will be available (including the alcoholic variety).

Cost: $15 or $12 (concessions) Phone Miguel on 9810 4601 for more details If you can't come to the launch but would like a CD, they are $28 mail order from Ecopella, 8 Pritchard Street, Annandale 2038.

Advocacy!

An NCOSS Conference exploring the role of community welfare organisations in seeking changes to the policies and practices of Government.

Seeking changes to the policies and practices of Government is a fundamental role for community welfare organisations. This systemic advocacy role is increasingly under threat through funding pressures, economic rationalism, and changing relationships between community organisations and Government agencies. This conference is for community organisations, consumers, unions and policy makers.

For more information: ph: (02) 9211 2599 http://www.ncoss.org.au/conferences/

WOMEN IN BLACK
Against War and Violence

SILENT VIGIL
Thursday every week 5.30pm to 6.30pm
SYDNEY TOWN HALL

We invite all women to stand in vigil on the steps of Sydney Town Hall wearing the black clothing of bereavement, to mourn the dead and express our opposition to all forms of violence. Women in Black is an international network of women who share a common philosophy of opposition to militarism and violence. http://www.womeninblackoz.com

The Greens NSW Communities Committee Needs You

People are needed for:
- upcoming Greens stalls at community festivals
- community campaigns
- outreach to community groups.

To keep up to date with all that the Committee is doing to develop the party's engagement with our ethnic, linguistic, cultural and religious communities email us at communities@nsw.greens.org.au and we'll put you on the occasional email list.

Sam Byrne
Communities Committee Convenor

6. WEBSITES PLUS

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

This ebrief's hot website tips:
check out Australian No War Actions at http:/www.greens.org.au and follow the links.

GREENS
http://www.greens.org.au
http://www.greens.org.au/bobbrown
http://www.nsw.greens.org.au
http://www.ian.greens.org.au
http://www.lee.greens.org.au

GREENS INTERNATIONAL
http://www.greens.org.nz
http://www.gp.org
http://www.europeangreens.org

Coastwatchers-Narooma/Tilba Residents Action Group
http://www.acr.net/~coastwatchers/ntrag

Stop all Stacks (RAPS)
http://www.nostack.8m.com/

Friends of Currawong
http://www.savecurrawong.org

RAIN (Real Alternatives Information Network)
http://www.web.net/rain/UG-readings.htm

Responsible Politics.
A quick way to check out where the money comes from for US elections.
http://www.opensecrets.org

No animal testing - No animal ingredients
http://www.crueltyfreeshop.com.au

Give all Australian women access to community led 1-on-1 midwifery care
http://www.communitymidwifery.iinet.net.au/nmapcampaign/nmapindex.html

Key forest campaign northeast NSW
http://www.nefa.org.au/jilliby

Energy from Waste Workshop Reports
http://www.wmaa.asn.au/efw/sustainability.html

Justice Action
http://www.justiceaction.org.au

Active-Sydney
http://www.active.org.au/sydney

Coalition for Justice for Refugees
Website: http://www.angelfire.com/film/ausnews

Whistleblowers Organisation
http://www.whistleblowers.org.au/

Vegan websites
http://dkd.net/vegan/forum.htm

No second nuclear reactor
http://www.cat.org.au/spannr

Bio-diesel
http://www.biodiesel.org.au

Friends of the ABC
http://www.FABC.org.au

Australian Republic
http://www.republicnow.org

Earthshare Australia - new Social Change Training Program.
http://www.earthshare.org.au/training/

Report smoking vehicles in NSW
http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/esdsmoky/

Sign a petition for animal rights
http://gopetition.com

Check out who your boss hangs out with
http://www.bosswatch.labor.net.au/

EMR Association of Australia Inc - a consumer advocacy group on the issue of electromagnetic radiation
http://ssec.org.au/emraa

http://www.myallcreekmemorial.com.au
This is about the Myall Creek Massacre and the beautiful memorial now at Myall Creek overlooking the site.

7. POSITIONS VACANT

World League for Protection of Animals

A small animal charity requires a compassionate person who loves animals to work in our Gladesville office. The person should be well organised and have basic administrative and computer skills. Patience, the ability to get along well with people and good problem solving skills would be a plus. Four days per week preferable. If you meet these criteria and are interested in the position please send a written application to the World League for Protection of Animals PO Box 211, GLADESVILLE NSW 2111. For further information please contact the office on (02) 9817 4892.

8. REPORTS

The latest NSW Parliamentary Library Research Service Background Paper No. 2/2003 entitled New South Wales State Election 2003: Electorate Profiles by Mark D'Arney
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/web/phweb.nsf/frames/1? open&tab=home& body=/prod/web/PHWebContent.nsf/PHPages/ResearchBp200302?OpenDocument

NSW State Electoral Districts Ranked by 2001 Census Characteristics by Mark D'Arney
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/web/phweb.nsf/frames/1? open&tab=home& body=/prod/web/PHWebContent.nsf/PHPages/ResearchBp200301?OpenDocument

9. CONTACT DETAILS FOR GREENS MPs

Senator Kerry Nettle senator.nettle@aph.gov.au
Sydney Office Ph 9241 6663 Fx 9241 6680
Canberra Office Ph 6277 3501 Fx 6277 5716

Michael Organ MP Michael.organ@aph.gov.au
Illawarra Office Ph 42837300 Fx 42837800

Ian Cohen, MLC ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.ian.greens.org.au
Ph 9230 2603 Fx 9230 2267

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