PAGEPAGE 1 SPRINGSPRING 20052005 ISSUEISSUE 17 1 4 8 9 1 12 17 15 19 16 18 10 26 27 28 22 23 -10 2-3 6-7 4-5 4 13-1 20-21 24-25

Sandra Taylor

Ty Noonan Ty

Greg Combet Joan Staples

Kerry Nettle

Marian Sawer (recycled, chlorine-free).

John Kaye Guy Rundle Ben Oquist Chris Graham Michaela Sargent uplifting, up-to-date,

y r eatures

State and Territory Green parties o

f s t recycled paper) Green movement.

r a r S l e u ontents v g ustralian o c rticles egular egular e eports from Cover Story Cover C Ascendancy The Howard Guest Green back pageBob’s Convergence world in a post 9/11 Why nuclearis not an option r News & Views Book reviews National Convenor’s report R National Office, National Officer, Communications Group reports Global Greens news Green Party contacts Your rightsYour at work – worth fighting for a Democracy without community voices? Can rock n roll save the world? Interview with Howard’s ‘war on terra’ The senate and electoral democracy Make poverty history Getting over John Howard Howard’s war on the environment Education: private consumption or public good? Coalitiongovernment is health hazard GPO Box 1108 GPO Box 1108 ACT 2601 the A

Drew Hutton and Brian Hoepper, [email protected] (made from post-consumer : SOSDESIGN, West End, Brisbane to provide a quality magazine presenting : Jen Andersen, Margaret Blakers, Sean Downes Greg Buckman, [email protected] Sam Sosnowski Drew Hutton and Brian Hoepper tor: : Goanna Print, Canberra. Cover: Monza Hi-Gloss Recycled Art 150gsm Direc Subscription and mailing inquiries: Contributions welcome. Articles can range from 300-1200 words. Brief items and letters to the editors also welcome.Please provide a graphic if possible. Send article in body of email or as an ‘rtf’ file. Reprinting is permitted. Please ask first and acknowledge the source. © Copyright Green September 2005 Contact Green Editorial: Advertising: Desktop publishing Printing Body: 80gsm Prologue Editorial Board Unless otherwise stated, all articles are the views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Greens. Co-editors: Art Published by the . ISSN:1443-6701 Mission statement: action-oriented information vital to SPRINGSPRING 20052005 ISSUEISSUE 17 PAGEPAGE 2 e Co-editors alternative. humane and democratic a for campaign to adetermination and power Howard’s John of limits the of understanding ates perme- that thing one the but politics progressive for news good is this of None term. next its over take will it directions likely the and government Howard the of nature the analyse edition this in essays the of Most security. collective global supporting than rather imperialism American unilateralist with sides and areas marine and wilderness rivers, forests, our of destruction the address to best at half-measures provides marginalised, the disadvantages and business big advantages that policy through force to likely is government Coalition the Senate the in power of balance the having parties minor of hassle the from free is it that Now years. two next the over government Howard the of priorities the clearly very indicate probably cases two these Unfortunately, petrol. Opal sniffable non- for subsidy million $8-9 an provide to government –the wanted they what minister prime the to clear it made had communities these that fact the of spite in was This fering. suf- were they epidemic sniffing petrol the for responsibility greater accept to needed they that Australia central in communities Indigenous tell to was week the for acts last Howard’s John of One ministers. its of ability account- the reducing effectively parties, minor the and opposition the to allowed questions of number the reduce to was week this act first government’s The houses. both of control having Howard John PM with parliament, new the of week first the of end the at written being is editorial This Drew Hutton and Brian Hoepper Brian and Hutton Drew ditorial the contributions to this edition is an an is edition this to contributions the Greens website at the Green Magazine link.] link.] Magazine Green the at website Greens Australian the on published be will article complete The issue. this in publication for lengthy too article an submitted Mirek [Eds: ACT Canberra Szychowski, Mirek resistance. their support to people, Iraqi the to as well as movement, anti-war the to it owe We Pilger. and Fisk as observers independent such by out pointed as desperation, of born ahope in occupiers, the of rid be to voting overwhelmingly people the occupation, the of spite in was turnout high The elsewhere. found be to is truth the occupation, the of avindication as turnout high the and Iraqis, the to democracy delivering as election the portrayed media the and coalition its US, the Whilst Iraqis. by powers occupying the on forced be to had -have January in election deeply-flawed the as -such place taken have that governance democratic towards steps those Indeed, Iraqis. by driven is it though as appear it making whilst transition political Iraq’s controlling of apolicy pursued has US The else. somewhere is reality The government. elected democratically and free asupposedly against ‘insurgency’ an rather occupation, US the to resistance actual no is there that is draws author the conclusion The Green. of edition Autumn the in insurgents?’ Iraqi support we ‘Can with is it So disoriented. and confused get activists, justice social some even public, the that surprise no as comes it So people. its of impoverishment and humiliation the and resources, its of pillage the country, that of occupation brutal the from disconnected all was it though as etc. forces’ ‘anti-Iraqi ‘insurgents’, fighters’, ‘foreign attack’, ‘terrorist about mantra the Dear Editors Dear it? support Greens the :Should resistance Iraqi The mainstream media constantly repeats constantly media mainstream The l etters n ews &views

into civil war and become another failed state. failed another become and war civil into slide easily could Iraq hastily too withdrawn are forces coalition If troops. coalition of removal rapid the for call should activists that view Drew’s with Idisagree However States. United the of hatred pathological almost an possess who travellers fellow or Marxists invariably almost are insurgency the support who movement’ ‘peace the in Those people. these for support express could democracy and peace to commitment a professes who anyone how me beyond is It citizens. fellow their of thousands killed has that bombing indiscriminate used have Baathists, and Islamists mostly insurgents, The legitimate. as seen be must government democratic new the Consequently elections. federal Iraq recent the in vote to out turn to violence of insurgent threats braved Iraqis of majority A significant magazine. Green of edition Autumn the in Hutton Drew by expressed Iraq concerning views the for support broad express to writing I am Editors Dear resistance Iraqi The change.] climate of threat the and tsunami Ocean Indian the between distinguish to ‘avoidable’ term the use did Paul letter, his In [Eds: ACT Teather, Canberra David 2? phase join to world developing the of countries expect we 1, can Kyoto how phase for up sign to refuse -still polluters capita per biggest the of - two USA and Australia if And warming. global by degrees, varying in and ways different in affected, be will everywhere Communities are. communities such vulnerable very how us remind did tsunami recent the and coast, the near or on are cities capital Australian Most communities. coastal affect particularly will these Together cyclones. -storms, weather extreme increasingly and ice) polar melting of (because levels sea rising slowly in result however, will, warming Global change. climate by caused was tsunami nor earthquake Neither damage. the -did land the by stopped when proportions immense to rising but mid-ocean in perceptible -barely waves The earthquake. under-sea an by caused was tsunami The connection? the What’s change’. climate on Protocol Kyoto the sign to USA and Australia both convince ‘must tragedy Ocean Indian the that suggests 2005) Autumn (letters, Carrick Paul Editors, Dear change climate and Tsunami Vic Thornbury Munn, Steve expeditiously. with dealt are contamination uranium depleted and bombs unexploded that ensure and Convention Geneva the to according treated are prisoners ensure deaths, civilian minimise to effort every make to forces coalition pressure to be should now activists of role the I believe

PAGEPAGE 3 SPRINGSPRING 20052005 ISSUEISSUE 17 web- Nicholson‘The Australian of newspaper: www.nicholsoncartoons.com.au ews & views & ews n concerned Australians to convey their opposition to Woolworths CEO Roger Corbett at [email protected]. For more information – including calls for a national boycott - go to http://www.malenyvoice.com. http://www.chevron.com/about/real_issues.asp http://www.willyoujoinus.com/ The second site includes a counter indicating how many barrels oil of and gas have been consumed during your visit to the site. Sobering! Woolworths and community : Woolworths has attracted nationwide criticism for pressing ahead with a supermarket development in Maleny (Qld) against community wishes and environmental advice. Activists in this vibrant community in the Sunshine Coast hinterland have invited all were feeding in the square the bus was late a dog was hit by a car the newspaper was delivered as usual The dayafter the election we woke up sad and sorry but the sun was still there... – john knight Peak oil Even US oil giant Chevron is coming out about oil depletion. See the quite unexpected websites at: whip up support from Kiwi voters in the forthcoming NZ elections. The elections are due about the time this edition hits the streets so we hope our Kiwi friends have done well and that there are plenty Greens of in the parliament. Well known NSWGreens activist James Diack is a Greens candidate and is coordinating the Australian end the of election. These efforts may just make the difference between seat a lost or gained. The Day After The day after the election itrained early morning joggers splashed their way home the pigeons website - http://bobbrown.org.au. Get Up! One creative reaction to the Coalition’s new control the of Senate is This ‘Get Up’. based activist site - http://www.getup.org.au – invites Australians to express their concerns directly to Coalition senators. Already, the extraordinary response by tens thousands of citizensof has overwhelmed senators’ email inboxes, with one minister (predictably!) attacking the messages as ‘spam’! Kiwi Green in OZ Large numbers Kiwis of live in Australia, and they are twice as likely to vote Green as their stay-at-home compatriots! New Zealand Greens co-leader, Rod Donald - in Australia in early August for the Now the We People conference in Melbourne - visited state capitals to Gunns 20 Campaigners for forests Tasmania’s and wildlife are celebrating the Victorian Supreme Courtrejection Gunns’ of claims. Judge Bongiorno’s ruling described Gunns’ claims as ‘incomprehensible’, ‘embarrassing’ and ‘unintelligible’. July On Gunns 18 was given just 4 weeks to resubmit its claim in an acceptable form. For updates go to Senator ’s

sustaining y, NSW; Davey, of over 200 slaves! *Letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Greens. Andrew Green, Grovely Qld; Sherry Mayo, Notting Hill, Vic; Claudio Natoli, Glenwood, NSW (non-Greens signatories). Stephen Gloor, Marie WA; Johnston, Qld; Peter SA; Kelly, Russell Kilbe Kimble, Qld; Michael Lardelli, SA (Greens signatories) and Liam Cranley, Ivanhoe, Vic; The NZ Greens have seized this opportunity. Why do the Australian Greens continue to live in denial? issue of Green. There is enormous political opportunity for the Greens in being the first political party to establish their credentials on this issue before the economic effects of oil depletion become extreme. their current social and environmental goals are all predicated on abundant energy use. Therefore, it was very disappointing to see absolutely nothing on oil depletion in the last little or nothing to eat. Hard to believe? This description may be too mild! Environmentalists including the Greens need to realise that their ability to pursue storage will also become uneconomic. Huge numbers of unemployed will find themselves in the outer suburbs of our sprawling cities with nowhere to go, no way to get there and system will falter as farmers succumb to ruinous debt and cannot afford the fuel to drive their tractors and harvesters. Most non-local food distribution, processing and Senior petroleum geologists and physicists now agree that oil and gas production will soon declineleading to economic collapse. Australia’s diesel-dependent food production allows banks to create money by making loans - would collapse without the continuous economic growth that is dependent upon increasing energy use. without oil and gas (to mine the coal, build the dams and powerlines, transport the components etc.). Interestingly, our financial system - where fractional reserve banking Seventy percentof this civilisation- energy comes from burning oil and gas. The rest comes from sources such as coal, hydro, wind and sun that cannot be accessed understand this is to say that the lifestyle of each and every average Australian is supported by energy equivalent to the continuous work (such as eating canned food, taking aspirin, drinking piped water or commuting to work) would be impossible without cheap, abundant energy. Possibly the best way to energy utterly for granted. Our entire mental model of how the world works has been shape by this abundance. So much of what we blithely assume is ordinary and possible our civilisation are absolutely dependent upon it. This is not surprising since all living Australians have been born into an era of unbelievable energy abundance compared to earlier ages. We take abundantly available Most people, including most Greens it seems, have a poor understanding of energy and how our personal survival and that of The end of oil Dear Green SPRINGSPRING 20052005 ISSUEISSUE 17 PAGEPAGE 4 cian around. that supportintoaction–havean uncannywayofturningeventhemostobstinatepoliti- politician. Andsuccessfulcampaigns –thosethatgeneratecommunitysupportandturn (although hedidonceclaimtobe ‘greenish’).Farfromit,ofcourse!ButJohnHowardisa None ofthisistosuggestthatJohn Howardisanasylumseeker-lovingtreehugger for EastTimor lifetime ofappeasingtheIndonesian dictatorship-adopttheGreenspolicyofindependence the Australiancommunityandspirited campaigningactionsawthePrimeMinister-aftera And ofcoursetherewasJohnHoward’srevisionismonEastTimor. Ahugeoutpouringfrom that JohnHowardisPrimeMinister’. than most.Shewentontosay‘Iam getting onwithmaking Australia the fact better despite really rememberanyPMexceptHoward.YetshecouldseethefuturebeyondHowardbetter Barely 8yearsoldwhenKeatingwasPrimeMinister,thisbrightyoungwomancouldn’t she said. I don’treallyrememberevernothavingJohnHowardasPrimeMinisterandamoverhim’, optimism theyhelpedputintoherlife.ShesaidshewasoverJohnHoward.Overhim?‘Yes, I metayoungGreenvotertheotherday.Firstyearinuniversity.LovedGreensfor points toprospectsforchange. of ultra-conservativepoliciesonthecountry?BenOquistanswersthesequestionsand alternative conservativeleaderuseamajorityinbothhousestounleashsimilarraft single-handedly marginalisedprogressivepoliticsoverthelastnineyears?Wouldan Is JohnHowardthemastermanipulatorofAustralianpolitics,manwhohas OQUIST BEN Getting over Government thatitwassimplyimpossibleforonemoretreetobe protected. cant winfor forests would be saved. It’s barelya quarter of what needs tobeprotected. Butitis a signifi- Similarly, earlierthisyearthePrimeMinisterannouncedthatlarge tractsofTasmania’s Liberal dissidents–thatforcedHoward’shand. It wasyearsofcampaigningbytheGreensandcommunity- combined withafew science -butthereleaseofthosefamiliesdidn’thavetowaitfor John Howard’sdeparture. more needstobedone-andtheNaurucampremainsaburning scaronthenation’scon- that allchildrenandfamiliesinasylumseekerdetentioncenterswould bereleased.Much Just ayearagoitseemedimpossibletoevenimaginethatwould beunderJohnHoward recent eventsdemonstratethat. complex andthepoliticalagendacertainlydoesnotliefullyunderHoward’scontrol.Some for theconservativeonslaughtsince1996.Butdynamicsofpoliticalchangearemore has evokedtheintensedislikeofthoseprogressiveswhoseehimaspersonallyresponsible saying -Whentheprimeministerchanges,sodoescountry.CertainlyJohnHoward who willsucceedhimactuallymissthepointforprogressiveAustralia.There’sapopular But Howard’spositionisnotsoascendantorsecureandtheinterminabledebatesabout the label‘Howard’sWay’. tion andenergypolicy.Thoseeffectsseemsufficientlyprofoundpervasivetowarrant the PM’spoliticalprioritieshaveplayedoutinsuchkeyareasasindustrialrelations,educa- In the‘breakout’articlesaccompanyingthiscoverstory,arangeofwritersanalysesway liberal valuessystem. on the domesticfront,impositionofmoral conservatism rather than a more free-flowing domination inthecontrolofglobalresourcesratherthanfreeplaymarketforcesand, Howard hasreadthecurrenttrendofinternationalforceswhichtendstofavourimperial on thatusefuloldpillaroftheAustralianSettlement–dependenceagreatpower.John Australia amuchhigherprofileterroristtargetbutassuagesAustralians’fearbyfallingback At thesametime,ofcourse,hejoinedUS-ledinvasionIraq,amovethatmade interest ratestoscarevotersintostickingwiththeconservatives. mood oftheelectorateandusedthreats‘terrorism’,‘illegalimmigrants’rising Overboard affairs.Hehasrecognisedtheimportanceoffearandinsecurityincurrent tapped intoitwithhisdishonestandmanipulativehandlingoftheTampaChildren the way.HerecognizedpoliticalpotentialofPaulineHanson’sfearfulconstituencyand intellectuals intoafull-blownpoliticalcampaign,sinkingtheReconciliationprocessalong of therepublicreferendum.Heconvertedculturewarsskirmishbegunbyconservative It is,ofcourse,easytobecomeobsessedwithHoward.Hewasakeymoverinthesabotage Greensandconservationistswhohadbeentoldforyearsbythe Tasmanian John Howard lead up to the next election. election. up tolead the next challenge inthe progressive control is the greatest party’s … rescuing the Senate one from

www.nicholsoncartoons.com.au www.nicholsoncartoons.com.au *Nicholson of ‘The Australian’ newspaper: newspaper: Australian’ ‘The of *Nicholson

PAGEPAGE 5 SPRINGSPRING 20052005 ISSUEISSUE 17 . This is something within the grasp of the Greens and something almost wholly for the This is something within the grasp of the Greens for the Greens by a few percentage points Greens to determine. Lifting current support who was leading the federal Coalition. Greens could deliver this. Then it would matter little and convincing, if the four Greens senators support will grow if policies are comprehensive and if the Greens generally can ‘bullet perform effectively in the chamber and in committee, familiar attacks. proof’ themselves against the inevitable, somewhat The next general election (and half-Senate election) will be held between 4 August and 15 December 2007. With the Government now in control of the Senate, that election will undoubtedly see a focus on the upper house beyond anything experienced in past elec- tions. The Senate has so often been the brake on unpopular initiatives that an over-zealous government would have otherwise passed into law. cosy with the right wing Christian fundamentalists from Hillsong. cosy with the right wing Christian fundamentalists we need to remember something that’s per- Even while contemplating that dismal prospect, would do nothing to alter the dynamics haps more important. Getting rid of John Howard one party’s control is the greatest progressive in the Senate. And rescuing the Senate from More important than who is Prime Minister challenge in the lead up to the next election. is who controls the Senate. That is the dynamic – Howard, Costello, Beazley, Rudd or Carr - that will most shape Australia. with the Senate under their control. The Imagine the conservatives having another term look like a picnic. And even if the ALP were current wave of reforms being proposed would initiatives would pass the parliament if the to win the next election, how many progressive Coalition still had Senate control? Family First or Barnaby Joyce – holding the But imagine a Senate with the Greens – not would see a wealth of positive progressive balance of power after the next election. We stage in Australian life. initiatives, ideas and debates taking centre So what would happen if the progressives’ dreams came true and all John Howard’s lies So what would happen if the progressives’ him from office? Would we be left with and deceit suddenly caught up with him, forcing Howard’s industrial relations changes don’t go Peter Costello - the Treasurer who says John unfair dismissal laws altogether? A man who is far enough? The man who wants to abolish Ben Oquist is political adviser to Greens Senator Bob Brown For the Senate to be rescued from government control at the next election, the Government For the Senate to be rescued from government control at the next election, the Government less would need to drop from 39 seats to 37. A relatively small swing in the Senate vote (of than 5 per cent away from the Government and towards the ALP and Greens) could produce four non-Coalition seats in at least three states and possibly one territory. Such a swing would return the Coalition to minority status in the Senate. In specific terms it means that, for a start, the Coalition must be prevented from winning in four of the six available Senate seats in any state (something it achieved in Queensland two 2004). Then the Coalition must be limited to winning only two Senate seats in at least ACT; states (or in just one state if, at the same time, the Coalition loses a Senate seat in the Territory senators are elected for three year terms only, with seats ‘spilled’ at each election). Getting over John Howard requires moving beyond him. He thrives on the attention and power we assign to him. Too much focus on John Howard prevents Greens and like-minded Australians doing what they do best - forging a brighter, environmental and progressive future for Australia no matter who is Prime Minister. It will be critical to get the message to all Australians about how important their Senate vote It will be critical to get the message to all Australians about how important their Senate is and how dangerous it is to allow one party to control the Parliament. It will be a message have a that many people will be ready to hear - a message about ensuring the electorate can say between elections. SPRINGSPRING 20052005 ISSUEISSUE 17 PAGEPAGE 6 JOHN hocking the future the environment: Howard’s war on government at odds with the essential solutions and its disdain of collective Its fundamentalist belief in market values inevitably put the Howard solutions to the environmental challenges faced by Australia.

PAGE 7 SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 ------government at odds with the essential solutions to the envi ronmental challenges faced by Australia. Howard’s current dominance of federal politics creates a large but not insurmountable barrier to building a sustainable future. With little coherent opposition from Federal Labor’s leaders and a rampantly pro-business media, the solution lies with a well-informed and active population demanding a much better deal for their future and for that of their children. John Kaye was the Greens NSW 2004 lead senate candidate. He teaches engineering and his research focuses on sustain able energy policy. in high demand around the world. despiteYet those immense economic and environmental benefits, the continues to find excuses for the coal industry. Its advocacy of clean coal technologies such as geosequestration – burying the carbon dioxide produced by power stations – is an embarrassment. The technology has little chance of succeeding and would in any event be pro hibitively expensive. It would create an ongoing risk to future generations of leakage back into the atmosphere. Howardand his ministers probably know all this, but they need to buy time for the coal industry. By creating the apparition of clean coal, they are taking the pressure off the industry and diluting the sense of urgency for developing truly sustainable alternatives. The Coalition’s AusLink transport package announced during last year’s federal election gave roads almost seven times the funds that were allocated to fixed rail projects. Transport ac counts for fifteen percent of Australia’s greenhouse emissions and a transition to public transport and freight rail is urgent. The Howard government’s policy bias to the big end of town at the expense of the public interest is paralleled by generous campaign donations from corporate Australia. this only Yet partly explains the Coalition’s extraordinarily bad environmen tal track record. Its fundamentalist belief in market solutions and its disdain of collective values inevitably put the Howard Scheme (MRETS) - lacks teeth, sets thebar too low and is due to expire at the end of this year. The Howard government has consistently refused to engage with any mechanism that would significantly reduce national greenhouse gas emissions. The Coalition and its corporate allies have been a major force behind the slandering of carbon taxes. Ithas also frustrated attempts to create a national system of carbon credit trading which, while seriously flawed, would at least give some incentive to large polluters to reduce emissions. Growing public awareness of the consequences of global warming and a prolonged drought affecting much of the east coast of Australia have succeeded where the overwhelming majority of scientific opinionappears to have failed. They have constrained the ability of Howard government ministers to hide behind greenhouse scepticism. Despite these develop ments, thefederal government continues to push the so-called clean coal options. Coal dominates Australia’s exports as well as the generation of electrical energy in the mainland states, which accounts for thirty five percent of Australia’s net greenhouse gas emis sions. Weaning ourselves off coal through a massive growth in renewable energy and energy efficiency is central to creating a climate-friendly future. It will also offer an incubator market for Australian innovation in technologies that will inevitably be ------Australia’s greenhouse record is appalling. are We the world’s largest per capita polluters yet the one national program with any promise - the Mandatory Renewable Energy Targets of an international approach to averting climate chaos. Not surprisingly, the partnership lacks targets or regulatory mecha nisms and is based on the illusion of clean coal technologies. on clean development and climate’ with China, Japan, South Korea, India and the USA. These are all major coal users or ex porters with significant investment in frustrating the formation of collective responsibility. In late July it emerged that Australia has for some time been negotiating in secret to create an Asia-Pacific ‘partnership holding out against a comprehensive international agreement. While Kyoto does not go nearly far enough, it at least repre sents recognition that global problems demand the acceptance sions. Howard’s representatives played a spoiler role during the negotiations leading to the Kyoto protocols, forcing conces sions and weakening the final agreement, which the govern ment then refused to sign. Along with the USA, Australia is squandered. One outrageous example is Australia’s undermining of the international agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emis debate. While this country faces urgent environmental chal lenges, the opportunities to respond in a way that both creates jobs and protects the next generation’s inheritance are being sector workers. Whether forests, it is Tasmania’s water conservation or climate change, the Howard government has stymied quality public panderingto ignorance and playing on fear and insecurity. This is as true of its track record on the environment as it is of its attacks on Australia’s workers, asylum seekers and public Even by the Coalition’s standards, the Howard government has displayed a remarkable enthusiasm for delivering for the big end of town. It has also demonstrated a willingness to debase Australia’s political discourse by injecting misinformation, environmental damage. John describes Kaye the continu ing disgrace Coalition of energy policy and the tragedy of lost opportunities. Australians recently learned Australia’s of new ‘partner ship’ with the major polluting nations the of Asia-Pacific area. This is the latest episode in a sad saga global of SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 PAGE 8 SANDRA TAYLORSANDRA Education –private consumption or public good? no real choice.no real is that manythe reality have championed ‘choice’, but governmentThe has Since itselectionin1996,theHowardgovernmenthaspursuedanextremeversionof in Educationat QUTBrisbane Sandra TaylorisanAssociateProfessor intheSchoolofCultural cratic citizenshipandinfostering thevaluesofinclusivityandsocialjustice. society morebroadly.Italsohas a centralroleinpreparingthenextgenerationfordemo- education, hasacrucialroletoplay infosteringtheseaspectslocalcommunitiesand and sustainablepatternsofproduction andconsumption.Education,particularlypublic Together withafocusoneconomicdevelopment,wealsoneed proposal forAustralianTechnicalCollegesistoolittle,late. education adequately.Soitishardlysurprisingthatthereareskills shortagesnow!Thenew the Howardgovernmenthasfailedtotakealongerviewandresource TAFEandhigher tional educationandskillstocontributeeconomicdevelopment. Buteveninthisrespect Education isincreasinglyimportantinaglobalisedworld.The example oftheideologically-drivenagendaHowardgovernment. student unionismwillimpactontheprovisionofservices oncampus-afurther dents meansthatauniversityeducationisnotaccessibletoall.And themovetovoluntary on qualityteachingandlearning.Andtheincreasingfinancialburdennowbornebystu- funding shortfalls,classsizesandstaffworkloadshaveincreaseddramatically,withimpacts students, anduniversitiescompetewitheachotherfortheirresearchfunding.Asaresultof tion bystealth’.Universitiesarenowkeptafloatfeesfromdomesticandinternational been drasticallyreducedovertheHowardyears,andtherehasakindof‘privatisa- without hesitationthatitwas‘aprivilege’.Governmentfundingofhighereducationhas view, whetherhethoughtthatauniversityeducationwasprivilegeorright,answered good. Forexample,whenMinisterBrendanNelsonwasrecentlyaskedinatelevisioninter- In highereducationwehaveseenasimilarshiftawayfromviewofaspublic not goodenough. those whocanaffordtochooseprivateschoolsdonotsobecausethepublicsystemis ments toensurethattheprovisionofhighqualitypublicschoolingisapriority–so in maintaininginequalityAustraliansociety.Weneedastrongcommitmentbygovern- many havenorealchoice.Thepublicfundingofprivateschoolshasbeenasignificantfactor rather thanapublicgood.Thegovernmenthaschampioned‘choice’,buttherealityisthat who cannotaffordthealternatives.Thuseducationbecomesaprivateconsumptionitem longer term,aneducationsystemthatisunder-fundedbecomesaresidualserviceforthose create distrustinpublicschoolingthroughallegationsofso-called‘fallingstandards’.Inthe schools, therebyincreasingpressuresonpublicschoolsfor‘marketshare’.Italsohelpedto eration ofnewprivateschools.Atthesametime,itreducedfundinginrealtermstopublic By changingschoolfundingarrangements,theHowardgovernmentencouragedprolif- democracy –andhavemarginalisedprogramsaddressingeducationalinequality. policies havereshapedpubliceducation-builtonnotionsofuniversalaccess,diversityand net operatinginasystemcharacterisedbycompetition,stratificationandindividualism.The good -centraltotheoperationofacivilsocietyviewpubliceducationassafety in everyschoolyard!Ingeneral,wehaveseenashiftfromviewofeducationaspublic successful DisadvantagedSchoolsProgram,buthasmadefundingavailableforaflagpole democratic traditionsinAustralianeducation.Forexample,thegovernmentabolished The agendahasbeentakenupinnarrowideologicalwaysandthreatenedthesocial- ties. Thesepolicydirectionshaveaffectedallsectorsofeducationindetrimentalways. to marketforces,andhasmadecompetition,choice,accountabilitycentralpriori- neo-liberalism initsapproachtoeducation.Thegovernmenthassubjectededucation . future generationneedsvoca- anemphasisonsocialequity and LanguageStudies PAGE 9 SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 - -

this fresh approach to the provision and funding of health care. The recent decision of the Council of Australian Gov ernments to look at health reform provides a context for advocating a better the Greens Taking way. message to the community is vital to build the momentum for change. Kerry Nettle is an Australian Greens senator for . has been forced to recognise the value of preventative health programmes. This common sense message needs to spread to the broader health arena, otherwise we face the prospect of a nation divided into those who will be forced to pay higher and higher costs for essential medical and health care and those who simply miss out because they cannot afford the costs. The result will be greater illness, higher complications, increased hospital admissions, and all the social problems that arise from inadequate accessto high quality health and medical care. The Greens health policy promotes a positive vision of well ness and quality of life. need We to continue to promote ------

. life of of

munities where health problems are dire, the government The task of rescuing public health care is essential. Pre ventative health care is common sense. In Indigenous com ance beyond hospital services. And we have yet to see the full impact of the FTA. hospital system. There is more in store. Minister Abbott has signalled that he’ll consider extending private health insur and on mental health care. And it entrenched inflation ary out-of-pocket expenses for primary care through the Medicare safety net and shifted millions out of the public under the Australia-US Free Agreement Trade (AUSFTA). In two key areas, it failed to allocate adequate funding to address the severe deficit in spending on Indigenous health safety net threshold for high users of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Further, the Coalition exposed the PBS to the power pharmaceutical of US giants through changes two assaults - increasing the patient charge for essential medicines per by 70 cent and substantially increasing the overwhelmingly benefits high-income earners. Next it withdrew funding for a public dental scheme for low-in come earners. In the area of pharmaceuticals, there were Firstly it shifted out of public health around $3 billion a year to prop the up private health insurance industry which it has set about undermining a system that is strongly sup ported by the Australian public. Coalition supports Medicare and the ideal of universal access that underpins it. In reality the Coalition government is dismantling our public health system. In just nine years Minister Abbott Tony consistently says that ‘the Howard government is the best friend that Medicare has ever had’. But it’s all about trying to create an impression that the funds last year trying to convince voters that the prime minister no longer wanted to dismantle Medicare. Health The Coalition government million of public spent $19.2 wellness and quality quality and wellness The Greens health policy promotes a positive vision of of vision a positive promotes policy health Greens The health hazardhealth Coalition government is a is government Coalition SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 PAGE 10 ployer. That is why collective bargaining is an internationally internationally an is bargaining collective why is That ployer. em their with power bargaining equal have don’t employees individual that is AWAs with problem inherent The conditions. working and pay cut and representation union undermine to used been have AWAs (AWAs). Agreements Workplace Australian calls innocently Government the –what contracts individual be will pay take-home to threat greatest The pay. take-home lose will people Many loadings. casual and end pay, week and pay, overtime redundancy like compensation, without rights work most remove to employers allow will This leave. parental unpaid and work, of hours leave, sick out’), ‘cashed be may which of weeks (two leave annual $12.75 at 4weeks hour; starting per wages minimum conditions: minimum five just on rely instead and agreements workplace for net safety award this scrap to plans ernment Gov The bargaining. and making agreement for rules the change fundamentally to proposing also is Government The workers. of treatment poor encourage will and ranted unwar is protection this Abolishing companies. Australian of percent –99 staff 100 fewer or with businesses in those for protection dismissal unfair remove to wants Government The worker. Australian every of rights the diminish and business to power deliver to aplan simply is It issues. economic real Australia’s address not does agenda workplace his But nation. the facing issue economic pressing most the is relations industrial that claims Howard John country. the divide fundamentally and ment parlia federal new the through pass to policies of many first the be to likely are which ‘reforms’ relations industrial of the nature the outlines Combet Greg secretary ACTU COMBET GREG fightingworth for Your rights work at – - - - - - the people if it wants to do that. do to wants it if people the of voice the to listen to has and re-elected get to have also will it But pass. to legislation which decide to able be will it Senate, the of control has Government the that Now again. think Government the make to designed is campaign union The rights. legal enforceable be must –they ness busi of discretion the at granted be to charity not are rights Workers’ victims. asbestos Hardie’s James Tell to that thing. right the do to trusted be can business claims Government The business. towards biased profoundly are changes These wages. minimum of setting the over take to Commission Pay Fair titled deceitfully the up setting is it –so week per $484 of rate time full current the than lower aweek $50 least at be should wages minimum said publicly has Government The value. in fall also will wages Minimum Australia. in not But workplace. the in power of balance a better providing right, recognised Trade Unions. of Council Australian of the Secretary the is Combet Greg 1300 362 223. on ACTU the call or www.rightsatwork.com.au to go work, at rights protect to campaign union the about more To out find will. we fight –and for fighting worth be to rights ers’ work We believe 150 over for years. people working Australian of standards living and rights the for up stood have Unions Government. the to message tant impor an is stand principled Their laws. bad these oppose to Greens, including Senators, all encouraging also are unions The Photo: Kathleen Gordon Kathleen Photo: [email protected] Rally. IR arecent at instrumentalist) Palmer Silas with Pappalardo Roz and Lucas (Chanel Docs’ in ‘Women

- - - PAGE 11 SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 -

- - -

which is not the case. Nitschke says that he has lost hope in a leg islative solution and describes his journey towards supporting interested individuals and groups in their attempts to develop peaceful means of suicide that cannot easily be banned. Whether this is a wise strategy is open to argument. … this is a book that all concerned citizens should read. Bill Godfrey Penguin Australia 300303ISBN 0 14 8 RRP $32.95 The heart of this passionately written book is Nitschke’s insistence on the right of the individual to make their own decisions and, most important of all, to retain control of their own lives. He advances incontrovertible evidence that many people wish to make their own decision about how and when they die, and details (in the last chapter) the lengths to which the Australian Government is prepared to go to overturn even freedom of speech in order to prevent these people from achieving their goal. Case study after case study in the book demonstrates the horrific consequences for terminal sufferers individual this denial of of their families and rights. Nitschke carefully and comprehensively demolishes the arguments for denying help to those who wish to die, particularly the view that making information or assist ance available will increase the number of suicides or put the vulnerable at risk. Parts of the book may be a little extreme (and) despite some careful disclaimers, it also leaves the impression that this is an is sue between Christians and non-Christians, One of the most interesting chapters in the One of the most interesting of critical global book is the concise listing events … I believe this book is a must read for any one concerned with the fate of the planet. Karl Tschugguel Me Softly:Killing Voluntary to and the Road Euthanasia Pill the Peaceful Philip Nitschke & Fiona Stewart 2005 - - -

------views

book re book around the world and how we are reliant more and more on underground aquifers for this precious resource. The book also covers climate change and the latest re search on predicted temperature changes. sources, atmosphere, energy use and more. Although this book describes the global situation it also provides a host of facts and figures about Australia … The chapter about population explains suc cinctly the relationship between the global population and the state of our planet and how the human population is at the core of its ills. … In the chapter on diminishing land resources the author states that ‘with the present global availability of arable land we can support three billion people on the diet of industrialized countries, 7.5 billion on a simple diet and up to 20 billion starv ing people’. … In another chapter Nielson describes the ever-increasing use of water Kevin Judah White LittleThe Handbook; Green to global critical a guide trends RON NIELSON, 2005 Scribe Press. 384pp. RRPISBN $35.00 1920769307 The Little Green Handbook is a compre hensive guide to the current state of the planet. It is 363 pages packed full of data covering environmental degradation, population, land resources, water re cal and economic reforms, Guest contro versially advocates the wholesale adoption of the ‘free’ market as the surest way to modernise Africa, with particular emphasis on South Africa and Zimbabwe. Renegotiat ing terms of trade and removing protec tionism - which still heavily favour the West - are hailed as being the surest ways to unleash Africa’s potential and ‘unshackle’ the continent from what Guest regards is its economic backwardness. The author is at his strongest when diagnosing Africa’s many ailments, but is less convincing in his choice of remedies. Nevertheless, this is a fascinating read and one that maintains an optimistic tone despite the often harrowing subject matter. such as the large volumes of foreign aid such as the large volumes failed to achieve its that have spectacularly aims of alleviating poverty and hardship for Africa’s approximately 800 million people. The spread of AIDS, particularly through southern Africa, is covered in detail. As well as the need for far-reaching domestic politi -

Here’s a taste of what our reviewers have said about these four books. have said about these of what our reviewers Here’s a taste Then

You can read the complete reviews on the Australian Greens website: www.greens.org.au on the Australian Greens the complete reviews You can read Living in the that human-

.

The Australian Living in the Greenhouse. points out that the lack of

Africa by Western imperialist countries, the author focuses mainly on the abuses of power by Africa’s often corrupt leaders, cronyism, woeful governance, inter-tribal feuds and genocides of the African sub- continent in a fast, easy-to-read account. While acknowledging the exploitation of Macmillan, London. 280 pp. ISBN 1 4050 3388 6. African specialist and journalist Robert Guest catalogues the corruption, poverty, Africa’s Past, Present and Past, Present Africa’s Future ROBERT GUEST, 2004 Drew Hutton Continent: Shackled The Hothouse political will – not the lack of technological options – is Australia’s main obstacle to good public policy on energy. their major impacts. In the face of these forecasts Australians need to respond urgently and intelligently by curbing our extravagant use of energy. The book outlines the current state of scientific understanding of the enhanced greenhouse effect and forecasts the climate changes likely to occur in Australia and climate change. Now in his new book he asserts that the debate is all but over, and he wants the political debate about our responses to begin in earnest. Living in the Hothouse Fifteen years ago Professor Ian Lowe published there was still scientific debate about ed rationalizations by industry groups are in by industry groups ed rationalizations marked contrast to the balanced, intelligent and characteristically wry presentation of the topic in Ian Lowe’s latest publication the pages of induced climate change is scare-mongering by environmentalists … Ideologically-driven tirades or self-interest so, he should live long enough to see the first lot of tidal surges, caused by sea level rises, take out his home. He deserves this fate because of his ridiculous assertion in ISBN 1 920769 41 2 RRPISBN 41 $26.95 1 920769 I hope conservative columnist Christopher Pearson has a house on a canal estate, 30 centimetres above the high water mark. If Living in the in Hothouse Living IAN LOWE, 2005 Scribe Publications, Carlton North 232pp. national convenor’s report

SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 PAGE 12 Stewart Jackson the latent community skepticism to build a significant campaign. Coordinated Coordinated campaign. asignificant build to skepticism community latent the harness can we agenda Relations Industrial Howard’s opposing in councils local engage can we If level. federal and astate on impact enormous have can level alocal at made decisions coordinated that remember also We should anystorm. weather can we grassroots the at strong are we if and level, alocal at strongest our at be We can discussion. and debate through issues these in community the engage we that important is it change; like climate issues global larger or bushland of apatch as such matter local avery about are campaigns the whether matter doesn’t It campaigns. in people engage to drive and ideas the for members and councilors local our to home, to closer look to need we leadership, for MPs state and federal our to looking as well as that, mean also will This into. tap to need we that nity commu- the in capital political considerable have do we that realising also but meetings, and materials our house to need we space office the have we that ensure to sacrifices some making maymean This success. to pursue to hope we that campaigns the also but levels federal and state local, the at resentatives rep- elected our all of work the just not support to base administrative a solid with aparty construct we that important it think members that hope one I for cycles. election two next the in achieve to wish we outcomes concrete what and party, the position to want we where about hard really thinking mean will This term. medium to short the in party the for want we is it what through working in involved be will parties state and members process that of part As underway. fully getting now only but ence Confer- National last the at to agreed process, Planning Strategic party’s the be will months few next the in time Mark’s consuming activities key the of One months. coming the in Mark of more much see and hear both to expect can members and worker professional and competent ahighly is Mark nationally. matters party on work to employed person afull-time have we that means party the of projects the run to Officer National as Jeanes Mark of employment The again. once forward moves party the as busiest, the of some as well as me, for satisfying most the of some been Ithink have months few last The [email protected] Greens Convenor, Australian Jackson Stewart happen. make it to have just we possible: is It change. social radical to committed ing remain- still yet Government, in being to and elections winning on focused one -to governments opposing on focused but MPs elect to -pleased party tional opposi- an being from change to Greens the Iexpect years few next the Over be. can it where and when back rolled be will and easily swallowed be not will agenda their that Liberals the and Howard John as such parties and cians politi- divisive remind can action local concerted And developers. greedy for just not community the all for coastlines preserve to legislating governments state to lead -can regions coastal along -particularly issues planning on action PAGE 13 SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 ld Green immersion in Q

Our most successful campaign yet

assessing the Australian Greens strategic planning framework to ensure meaningful integration of state and national plans. Meanwhile, our special Constitutional Conference in May saw some significant changes to the waywe govern ourselves. The good word seems to have got out about the ; our membership is climbing steadily and branch involvement in Greens activity is strengthening. Howard Nielsen: Convenor, Queensland Greens Program. The program was designed for members both new and old to engage with the depth and breadth of Greens culture, policy, action and future aspirations. The history of the Greens was painted by Drew Hutton. The world premiere of the Baxter 05 video documentary was introduced by ElissaJenkins. Juanita Wheeler delivered the good oil on how to get involved and election campaigning. There were fifteen Information and Conversation Stalls ranging across industrial relations, on-line branch meetings, refugees, education, community development as a campaign approach, branch action, globalization and consumerism, transport and plenty of others. The day concluded with a Café-style work- shop. Mike Kane and a great group from Toowoomba North organized this raging success Plans of a day. are underway to refine the process and take the show on the road to regional Queensland. complementTo the Immersion Program the Queensland Greens will be taking to the streets on October with a 15 statewide Greens Day Out. Through street stalls, shopping cen- tre stalls, roadside signs and leaflets, the focus will be on the community connecting with the Green agenda by an election- style campaign that focuses on local, state and federal issues. And we hope for better than usualmedia coverage. Perhaps it’s an idea that could be taken up by the Australian Greens. Outside of this, the Queensland Greens have almost completed a nine month Strategic Planning process. are We currently The recent NT election has proven to be the most successful election campaign yet for the NT Greens. Whilst much at- tention has focused on the large swing to the ALP and the subsequent decimation of the CLP opposition to 4 MLAs, the other big winner was the Greens. contestedWe out seats, a record, of 25 and 11 achieved an average in 9.5% the seats we contestedand 4.2% across the Territory. Other results in included the seat of Nightcliff 15.7% in the seatand 13.4% of Arafura. Based on last year’s federal results there were at least three more seats inwhich we could haveachieved or more.10% The Greens in Alice Springs fielded and supported a number of candidates for the first time at a Territory election. After three election campaigns in the past twelve months, coupled with solid growth and increased involvement in the party, our challenge now is to maintain the momentum. Simon Niblock:NT Convenor, Greens QLD More than one hundred and thirty Greens members and supporters joined in a recent three-hour Greens Immersion NT state and territorystate and reports Sudden by-election opportunities Winterin the ACT

decisions on policy and process. Lesa de Leau: Convenor, The Greens NSW As well as reaching out with campaigns, we are looking to revitalise our meetings and communications to ensure that members throughout the state are participating actively in together for the annual Greens NSW Local Government Forum. Overdevelopment remains a key campaign in most urban areas and it was boldly highlighted at the inaugural Bad Developer Awards hosted by the Greens in August. campaigns. On the local level, many of our 58 councillors recently came forums on a range of issues including refugees and mandatory detention, jobs and the environment, voluntary student union- ism and industrial relations. Our state and federal MP’s offices continue to provide plenty of resources for community-based ways, The Greens are out and about with positive options like water recycling, renewable energy and public transport. Members in regional centres are also organising community The state government continues to peddle crazy solutions to the significant issues energy of water, and transport. Instead of a desalination plant, coal-fired power plants and more motor- the resignation of the Premier and two ministers, there are three by-elections coming including up, in the seat of Marrick- ville wherethe Greens polled 28% in the 2003 state election. NSW There is no shortage of campaign opportunities in NSW. With And we’re looking forward to spring …. Helen Woittiez: Convenor, ACT Greens meetings over the past months and with our AGM coming up in August, we’re preparing for a bit of change in the team with a few people taking well-earned breaks. including a stop on SLAPPS (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) and .... much much more. We’ve had really interesting speakers at our monthly general the community sector in the face of reduced federal funding and reduced facilities in the ACT, water catchments manage- ment and conservation initiatives, and tabling a number of bills the portfolios - but Deb and the team are doing a fantastic job of it. Some of the bigger issues that they have been focus- ing on include the 2005-06 budget, funding of government housing, ACT town planning and planning reforms, supporting team at the same time). Deb Foskey and her team in the ACT Assembly have been working really hard it’s – no easy task for one MLA to cover all Our office has a new manager – Jacqui Cooke – and we think she’s wonderful. If you’re in the ACT, make sure you come in and say HI (and as a bonus, say HI to the Australian Greens (we’re learning how to run quiz nights!) and …. not forgetting braving the cold of a weekly (outdoors!) market to chat with the locals. small team of enthusiasts is keeping most balls in the air and focusing on some interesting activities for fellow members as well as getting a few more much needed dollars coming in ACT in a bitWe’re of post-election winter quiet here in the ACT. A SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 PAGE 14 so we encourage you to make a holiday of it! Further details details Further it! of aholiday make to you encourage we so here, down do and see to plenty There’s Tarkine. the and Styx the like forests iconic our of some through tours guided take to opportunity the have will Visitors facilities. excellent and staff friendly very with building, old alovely It’s itself. hotel the in stay to like would you if early book you that suggest we and Hobart, central in is Hotel, 12 Hadleys 13. and venue, The 11, November on Hobart in held be to Conference, National Greens Australian the for way under well also is Planning level. important very this at representation our increase to hope -we Millar Glenn and Jordan -Scott year this earlier cil Coun- Legislative the for stood who candidates Greens two the by achieved polling excellent the given and, state, the across candidates run to We plan elections. government local October the in TasmanianGreens the represent to candidates for tion preselec- finalising are we and Senate, the in speech maiden her make to preparing is Milne Christine Iwrite, As Greens. Tasmanian the for ones busy been have months few past The the chances of Greens and other minor parties having repre- having parties minor other and Greens of chances the improves certainly system new The Greens. the for mean will change the what about speculation much been has There cil. Coun- Legislative the -to electorates eight from representatives five of up -made members forty representation, proportional by elect, will Victorians election, state next At the parliament. Victorian the of house) (upper Council Legislative the of mation transfor- historic the for released been have boundaries Draft 2006. November in election state next the for scene the set to and government local in outcomes Green upon build and achieve to government local in representation increased for aiming We are areas. regional and metropolitan other several in candidates preselected have we and ibyrnong Mar- of City the in re-election for up are councillors local sitting our of two time, This time. same the at polls the to go will Victoria in councils 79 local all 2008, November From Victoria. held be to elections government local ‘split’ of round final the be will year. This this November in areas government local 54 in conducted be to elections for way under well are Preparations VIC Convenor,Greens Tasmanian Cassidy: Karen . – www.tas.greens.org.au website our on available be will TAS

Changes to upper house will favour Greens favour will house upper to Changes Planning for National Conference... and more! and Conference... National for Planning state and territory reports andstate territory WA Victoria Co-Convenor, Pennicuik: Sue September. 10 on 11 and Conference State our to up lead the in review strategic ranging awide of stages final the in also We are October. in announced be will boundaries final The review. of house atrue as function to able be will and electorate the of representative more be will house upper the time, first the For Parliament. Victorian the in accountability increase will change the addition, In Council. Legislative the to elected sentatives prioritise key issues (and that we are clearly identified with with identified clearly are we that (and issues key prioritise we that representation, state reduced our despite effective remain (WA) Greens the that ensure to intended is re-focus The work. campaigning and parliamentary their re-focus to membership the with working are ropolitan) Met- (North Watson Giz and Region) West (South Llewellyn Paul Siewert, Rachel - Senator representatives elected three Our team. Greens Australian the of strength the doubling August, of 9th the on Senate the to returned (WA) Greens the break, year asix After Robin Chapple; Co-convenor Greens (WA) Greens Co-convenor Chapple; Robin WA! of out mines uranium keeping –and use resource and water, energy in sustainability long-term in invest to WA’s boom ing resource harness- on debate the leading be to intend (WA) Greens The shape. to seek will Greens the that issues vital -all Act Waste anew and Act aSustainability Act, Conservation aBiodiversity promised has also Government The target. energy renewable a mandated for Government the from acommitment obtain to opportunity an provide will debate the that hopeful are Greens The support. their indicating als Liber- the with around time this succeed they’ll like looks it and Bill Corporations Electricity the under corporations new four into Power Western of disaggregation pursuing again are They training. and tion educa- prioritising be will it stated has Government State The outcomes. and targets agreed some achieve actually we that and issues), these

Focus on water, energy and resource use resource and Focus water, energy on

PAGE 15 SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 Greens Communi- magazine be taken by all members . If there’s anything you’d like to gether a national communications strategy which, amongst other things, recommends that the party host a new website for the Asia-Pacific network of Green parties, that Green of the party on an opt-out basis and that we standardise the party’s use of logos. The group has put some good runs on the board but has many more to hit. Greg Buckman Convenor, Australian cations Working Group a gear in creating a more focussed body, better able to respond to the challenges and opportunities that ‘Howard’s Australia’ presents us with. I look forward to working with and in close support of Mark. I’m elated to write this, my first report for Green pass on or ask, or if you’d just like to get in touch, I’d be delighted to hear from you. You can contact National Office on (02) 6162 0036 or [email protected]. Sean Downes Manager National Office ment of a new webpage for the four Green senators. We have also recently put to- Meanwhile, since I arrived in late June, since I arrived in late Meanwhile, includ- on other initiatives work has begun for the South Australian ing preparation group March next year, focus elections in of- a new National Policy research, hiring and so on. ficer, website redevelopment next six months I Importantly, over the ways to share would like to find concrete between the materials, ideas and resources to reduce duplication States and Territories the best use of the of effort and to make resources we already have. Sean Downes, Thanks to Stewart Jackson, who have made the Senators and others smooth and full my start in this position to work for an of learning. It’s a privilege up so strongly for organisation that stands environmental social and economic justice, sustainability and government accountabil- ity in the face of Howard’s dishonourable Ministers who continue to deceive, duck, weave and debase our democracy. If you have any useful information, concerns or ideas, I would like to hear from you. My office number is 02 6162 0036. Mark Jeanes Australian Greens National Officer [email protected] report magazine with this edition and the Since I started, there’s been a lot to engage Since I started, there’s been a lot to engage with. Apart from the plethora of regular is- sues, people and tasks, three of the notable things have been preparing for the arrival of Mark Jeanes, our new National Officer; building relationships with the State party offices; and the doubling of our Senate team to four. I’ve very much enjoyed work- ing with Bob Brown’s and Kerry Nettle’s offices, and it’s been particularly exciting to support Rachel Siewert and and their fantastic staff as they commence their Senate campaigns. And with Mark’s commencement in June, we’ve shifted up very exciting initiative is already well under way. By the time you read this, you should have had the opportunity to contribute to Project Focus through a workshop with your State or Territory party. The final plan, to be presented for ratification at National Conference in November, will largely deter- mine the work of the National Office. tions Working Group and the Australian Greens Co-ordinating Group. Government affords the Greens a rare op- Government affords the and to concen- portunity - to consolidate core messages trate on how best to deliver to the electorate. broad goals as the With this in mind, my to help strengthen new National Officer are and to position the national organisation for outstanding the Australian Greens state elections, the success in the upcoming and beyond. 2007 Federal Election My first task is to run Project Focus - the development of the national strategic plan to map the way forward for the Australian Greens in the coming years. Work on this deliver their maiden speeches. The meeting maiden speeches. The deliver their strategies excitement as new crackled with in place systems were put were discussed, were shared. and fresh ideas lamen- of the Senate is Howard’s control prospect of not table. But, in a way, the with the spending energy on negotiations appointed Elena Jeffreys as our web editor to source new and exciting content for the web page and over the next few months the Australian Greens’ webpage will be re- developed in conjunction with the develop- the Australian Greens’ web page and to de- velop a national communications strategy. Drew Hutton and Brian Hoepper have done a fantastic job with lifting the standard of Green previous one. By the time this edition is out we will have appointed longer-term editors of the magazine for the next two years. On the web page front we have recently national office report national national officer’s national ommunications group report group ommunications c Mark Jeanes magazine and of Green held every three or four weeks. Our three priorities have been to better organise and lift the standards of the past with the setting up of a national communications working group. The group has been very active with phone link ups as a political party. At last November’s national conference the coordination of the Greens’ communication was given a more national footing than it had had in Communication is the ‘oxygen’ of the Greens – communicating with our mem- bers, our voters and the general Australian populace is vital to our effective operation national bodies such as the Communica- tween all elements of the party across Australia; maintenance/development of central party resources like the national website and publications; and serving on for the public, like-minded groups and media/governmental organisations; acting as a day-to-day ‘conduit’ be- daunting - Scott’s shoes are hard to fill! My tasks fall into five main categories: management of the National Office; being a first contact/information source It’s been just over three months since I took on my new job, following Scott Oates’ departure. I’m still on a steep learning curve - exciting and at times before incoming Senators Christine Milne and Rachel Siewert walk into the Senate to an historic two-day meeting at Parliament House with the four Senators and their talented new staff members, one week The Australian Greens are entering a new The Australian Greens are entering a new and exciting phase of change, growth and consolidation. I write this report having just returned from SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 PAGE 16 global greens news Sulayman has authored successful books like ‘Welcome to my to ‘Welcome like books successful authored has Sulayman Rafique Bangladesh, of art-critic and writer Aknown Greens. Bangladesh the by participation overseas ever first the was meeting Kyoto the at representation Kyoto. His and Osaka in es experienc his describing atravelogue It’s php?mediaId=3516). http://www.greens.org/media/displayarticle. Kaiser, Wahid Kyoto’ to (see ‘Road entitled there experiences his about book released asoon-to-be year, written has this earlier meeting Greens Kyoto our joined who Sulayman, Rafique Greens after Kyoto triangles. Green your bring to forget don’t and Oh GIG. WTO another for there down friends your all take or December, coming this Kong Hong on eye your Keep well. as meeting this in participation Greens some funding be will Kyoto in conference Network Greens Asia-Pacific the funded substantially which Foundation Böll Heinrich The 2005. cember 13th from 18th to Kong De Hong in Conference Ministerial WTO Sixth the during Greens, involving meeting important another at furthered be will campaign anti-globalisation The in Hong Kong? Globalisation 6times lucky change. climate dangerous preventing and gases ‘greenhouse’ stabilising in effective and equitable both be will that treaty reductions emissions astronger to possible as rapidly as move community world entire the that and ately, immedi Protocol Kyoto the ratify Australia and USA the that demand will demonstrations These Montreal. in December) 9th to November (28th Talks Climate ‘MOP’ the with coincide to timed 2005, December 3rd Saturday -on possible as world the around countries many as in day same the on onstrations -dem action to call international an been has There Canada. Montreal, in Convention Change Climate the of (COP) Parties 11th the the of meeting, Conference Change Climate a major at be will world the around from Greens year this November In com/cacc/globalclimatecampaign.html)! (http://www.globefox. space this watch But first! it said parties Greens and movement green global the in we that is point the but it, ignore longer no can they where stage the reached have –they meeting G8 the of agenda the onto it making of point the to mainstream the by noticed been finally has change climate that seems it Now Europe. in campaign acommon for focus amajor as change climate May, in adopt to Latvia, in ing ameet at decided unanimously Europe in Greens example, For From COP to ‘MOP’

netherland in-between area where we are no doubt making a difference, adifference, making doubt no are we where area in-between netherland the in much and defeats, some results, positive some are To there sure be consciousness. mainstream into agenda green the of lifting work eternal their in continue world the around Greens mode, usual’ as ‘business in along tochug continues world the As Greens. Global the from Hello yet this difference remains difficult to quantify or demonstrate. demonstrate. or toquantify difficult remains difference this yet

- - - - - posals have come from Cameroon, Kenya, Morocco and South South and Morocco Kenya, Cameroon, from come have posals Pro Africa. in 2007 for planned 2001) in being now is Canberra in was first (the Conference Greens Global major A second 2007 Global Greens Conference, meeting. Kyoto Greens Asia-Pacific the at session peace-building the of chairperson as acted had She greatly. so her respected and loved had who many of sadness great the to recently away passed who Japan of activist anti-nuclear known awell Oba, Satomi to dedicated is book This Beverly’. ‘Meet and Insanity’ about Green politics and issues around the world. the around issues and politics Green about articles of compilation abi-monthly news, green global for list email the on you’d if be to like [email protected] at retary, Sec International Greens Australian Solomon, Miriam Contact Greens Australian Secretary International Solomon, Miriam together! away hearts our GIG all can we Then list. email GIG the on yourself us of all to suggestions send still, ter bet Or suggestions. campaigning and ideas information, share to aline me drop to them get overseas, contacts greens any have you If networking. our with too involved get could you Or however. now working be should It Party. the of members are individuals that verify to capacity our –with list this with problems teething some had We’ve list. email GIG the to you add Ican and [email protected] to email an me send yourself, green aglobal as involved more getting in interested Kyoto, you’re or from photos) (with report our receive to like would Deb!), –thanks Foskey Deb of (courtesy updates greens global the receive to like would I Come Kenya. in Movement Belt Green the from Mathai Wangari winner Prize Nobel of city home the be to happens also which Nairobi, in 2007 January in meeting Forum Social World the with coincide to scheduled be could it Kenya in is conference the If held. be will conference the when and where about decision afinal make them help to places these in ground the on resources about information gathering currently is Group Coordination Greens Global The Africa. f you would like more information on global greens matters, matters, greens global on information more like would f you to our GIG! - - - greens party contacts PAGE 17 SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 PAGE 17 SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 Sean Downes : Mark Jeanes 0407 000 270 Robin Chapple

Fax: (02) 6247 6455 Fax: (02) 6247

techsus.com.au AUSTRALIAN GREENS AUSTRALIAN National Officer Suite 7, Lower Ground Floor Suite 7, Lower [email protected] [email protected] Diana MacTiernan [email protected] GPO Box 1132 Hobart TAS 7001 Ph: (03) 6236 9334 [email protected] www.tas.greens.org.au Convenor: Karen Cassidy (03) 6397 8483 [email protected] Victoria 1/377 Little Bourke St Melbourne VIC 3000 GPO Box 4589 Melbourne VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9602 1141 Fax: (03) 9602 1655 [email protected] Co-Convenors: Gurm Sekhon 0407 735 466 [email protected] Sue Pennecuik [email protected] Western Australia 1st floor, 445 Hay St Perth WA 6000 PO Box Y3022, Perth WA 6832 Phone: (08) 9221 8333 Fax: (08) 9221 8433 [email protected] Co-convenors: 0409 379 263 South Australia 239 Wright St Adelaide SA 5000 Ph: (08) 8212 4888 Fax: (08) 8212 4822 [email protected] Convenor: Patricia Murray [email protected] [email protected] Tasmania Queensland QLD 4101 11 Sussex St, West End QLD 4101 PO Box 5763, West End Ph: (07) 3844 4667 Fax: (07) 3844 4654 [email protected] Convenor: Howard Nielsen 0407 190 162 nielsen@ National Office Manager: GPO Box 1108, Canberra ACT 2601 Canberra 1108, GPO Box (02) 6162 0036 (02) 6162 Street address Street address Ethos House, Ainslie Ave, Canberra City, ACT 2601 Ainslie Ave, Canberra Ethos House, Lesa de Leau 1800 017 011 (toll free) 1800 017 GPO Box 1220, Sydney 2001 Ph: (02) 9519 0877 Fax: (02) 9519 2177 [email protected] Convenor: 0413 581 603 [email protected] Northern Territory PO Box 331, Nightcliff NT 0814 Convenor: Simon Niblock mob 0402 617 416 [email protected] Kim Booth MHA Electorate of Bass [email protected] Nick McKim MHA Electorate of Franklin [email protected] Tim Morris MHA Electorate of Lyons [email protected] Peg Putt MHA Electorate of Denison [email protected] State/Territory Offices Australian Capital Territory Suite 7, Lower Ground Ethos House Ainslie Ave, Canberra ACT 2601 GPO Box 2019 Canberra, ACT 2601 Ph: (02) 6247 6305 Fax: (02) 6247 6455 [email protected] www.act.greens.org.au Convenor: Helen Woittiez (02) 6241 2472 [email protected] New South Wales MLC [email protected] Ph: (02) 9230 2603 Fax: (02) 9230 2267 Sylvia Hale MLC [email protected] Ph: (02) 9230 3030 Fax: (02) 9230 2159 MLC [email protected]. gov.au Ph: (02) 9230 3551 Fax: (02) 9230 3550 Tasmania 162 Macquarie Street Hobart TAS 7000 Ph: (03) 6233 8300 Fax: (03) 6223 1406 [All Tas Green MHAs share these numbers]

9848 2015 Ph: (08) 8177 0077 New South Wales The Greens, Parliament House Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: (08) 9201 0582 Fax: (08) 9201 0583 Australian Capital Territory Deb Foskey MLA Member for Molonglo GPO Box 1020, Canberra ACT 2601 [email protected] Ph: (02) 6205 0161 Fax (02) 6205 0007 South Australia Kris Hanna MP Member for Mitchell 867 Marion Rd Mitchell Park SA 5043 [email protected] Fax: 902) 6277 5762 [email protected] www.greens.org.au MPs State Western Australia Paul Llewellyn MLC Member for South West [email protected] Ph: (08) Giz Watson MLC Member for North Metropolitan 339 Oxford St Leederville WA 6007 [email protected] Unit 1, 151 Brisbane Street, Northbridge WA 6000 (08) 9228 3277 Fax: (08) 9228 4055 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 (02) 6277 3587 (02) 6277 3501 Fax: (02) 6277 5716 [email protected] www.kerrynettle.org.au Office of Senator Rachel Siewert Canberra ACT 2600 (02) 6277 3063 Fax: (02) 6277 5720 [email protected] www.greens.org.au Office of Senator Kerry Nettle (NSW) Ground Floor 111-117 Devonshire St Surry Hills NSW 2010 (02) 9690 2041 Fax: (02) 9690 2038 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Office of Senator Christine Milne (WA) GPO Box 896 Hobart 7001 TASMANIA (03) 6234 4566 Fax: (03) 6234 2144 Parliament House 0412 421 763 0419 965 068 0402 487 110 0500 815 585 (03) 6224 3541 0437 979 402 0407 725 025 (07) 3844 1652 (07) 3846 2409 0413 950 275 (02) 6288 7009 0419 151 250 0418 968 810 0417 297 417 Fax: (02) 6277 3185 [email protected] www.greens.org.au/bobbrown Fax: (03) 6234 1577 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 (02) 6277 3170 (Tasmania) GPO Box 404 Hobart, TASMANIA 7001 (03) 6234 1633 Federal MPs Federal Office of Senator Bob Brown Dan Rosauer GPO Box 1298 Canberra ACT 2601 Ph: (02) 6248 5209 (h) [email protected] GPO Box 1220, Sydney NSW 2001 Ph: (02) 9519 0877 (w) [email protected] Public officer [email protected] Registered Officer Geoff Ash [email protected] Brian Hoepper 3/26 Paradise St Highgate Hill QLD 4101 National Magazine Co-Editors: Drew Hutton 33 Doris St, Hill End QLD 4101 Colin Smith Ph: (03) 9593 8473 (weekdays) Ph: (03) 9887 9227 (weekends) [email protected] Georgia Miller [email protected] Archivist: Panel Co-ordinator Gosta Lynga [email protected] Policy Co-ordinator: (h/w) [email protected] Constitution Review Brett Constable [email protected] Assistant Treasurer: Greg Buckman Miriam Solomon [email protected] Treasurer & party agent: Chris Twomey [email protected] International Secretary: GPO Box 1220, Sydney NSW 2001 GPO Box 1220, Sydney [email protected] Deputy Secretary Juanita Wheeler [email protected] Secretary: Carol Berry (02) 42 672 608 (h) (02) 42 672 [email protected] Deputy Convenor: Convenor: Stewart Jackson NSW 2515 15 Hill St, Austinmer National OfficialsNational SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 PAGE 18 Under Howard’s new rules, NGOs supporting popular public rallies risk de-funding for engaging in ‘public advocacy’. Photo: Kathleen Gordon Kathleen Photo: advocacy’. ‘public in engaging for de-funding risk rallies public popular supporting NGOs rules, new Howard’s Under (2004), hasahighlybureaucraticfocusongovernmentdepart The Inquiry’sreport,Protocol:ManagingRelationswithNGOs Government toheadaninquiryintoNGO/Governmentrelations. shown whentheIPA’sDirector,GarryJohns,was Moreover, theyappeartohaveclosetiestheCoalition,aswas the groundsofun-representativenessandlacktransparency. tions arebasedonpublicchoicetheory,andtheyattackNGOs and toargueagainsttheirhavinganyadvocacyrole.Theirpublica campaign calledthe‘NGOProject’,aimedtoactivelydiscreditNGOs For thepast5years,InstituteofPublicAffairshasconducteda for promoting,advertisingandlobbyingtheirowninterests. government grants.Incontrast,businessescanclaimtaxdeductions many keyNGOswhichhavebuiltupasupportbaseindependentof amounts ofpublicadvocacy.Thiswillhaveanenormousimpacton having tosatisfytheATOthattheydonotengageinsignificant being implementedbyarulingfromtheTaxOffice,withgroups drawn priortothe2004election.However,itsmeasuresarenow ‘charities’ andhencehavingtaxdeductibility.TheBillwaswith advocate, promoteorlobbyforchangefrombeingdefinedas Charities Billwhichwouldhavepreventednon-profitgroupsthat In 2003,afteranInquiry,theTreasurertabledDefinitionof supporting hundredsofsmallercommunitygroups. had aparticularlysignificantimpactonstateConservationCouncils, Organisations forthoseengagedinanypublicadvocacy.Thishas of de-fundingcutGrantstoVoluntaryEnvironmentandHeritage number ofkeyNGOswerede-funded.LastApril,anotherround Immediately theHowardGovernmentcametopowerin1996,a well asimportantpointerstoanappropriatestrategicresponse. theory givescluestoFederalGovernmentpolicytowardsNGOs,as ries ormodels,itignoresthedetailofreality.Understandingthis the market.Itisapurelyeconomicanalysis,andlikesomanytheo un-representative, andabeliefthattheirexistencewillonlydistort cally, itresultsininterestgroupsbeingdescribedasself-seekingand expense ofthemanyandinsodoingstifleeconomicgrowth.Politi form becauseindividualswanttogainspecialbenefitsatthe then elaboratedbyBrittanin1975.Itclaimsthatinterestgroups known as‘publicchoicetheory’,firstspeltoutbyMancurOlsen, Underlying theNGOpoliciesofFederalGovernmentiswhat Democracy withoutcommunityvoices? the role of non-government organisations (NGOs) in Australian society. Australian in (NGOs) organisations of non-government role the Since its election in 1996 the Howard government has acted to weaken to acted has government 1996 in Howard the election its Since Joan Staples traces this continuing government attack and signals and attack government continuing this traces Staples Joan its potentially its

appointed bythe dire consequences for Australian democratic life. democratic Australian for consequences dire Joan Staples - - - - - agenda, andlessgeneralAusAIDassistancebeingavailableforaid pushing aidorganisationsintodeliveringpartoftheGovernment’s more regulation,with‘capacitystatements’andserviceagreements In theinternationaldevelopmentsector,therehasbeenmoreand – forexample,asemploymentagencies. for thedeliveryofservicespreviouslyprovidedbybureaucracy notable inthesocialwelfarearea,wherefundinghasbeenprovided to co-optNGOsaspartofgovernmentservices.Thishasbeenmost At thesametimeasNGOvoicesarebeingsilenced,theremoves lost onbothIPAandGovernment! whose publications address the Commonwealth Government, seems the ironyofIPAbeinganunelected,unrepresentativeNGO, of corporationsbeingplayersindevelopingpublicpolicy.Aswell, are appreciatedindevelopingpublicpolicy,andthereisnocriticism There isnorecognitionofamodeldemocracywheremanyvoices cism ofNGOshavingtoomuchpolicyinfluenceor‘specialstatus’. ments/NGO relationships.Threadedthroughoutisanimpliedcriti [email protected] in theroleofcivilsocietydemocraticprocesses. ulty ofLawattheUniversityNSW.Hercurrentarearesearchis Joan StaplesisanacademicwhoteachespublicadvocacyintheFac democracy. Australian peoplemaywelldecidethefuturehealthof articulate andcansellthisalternativedemocraticmodeltothe establishing publicpolicy.WhethertheNGOsectorcancollectively of manyvoices-NGOsandothersisusedinadynamicprocess can promoteadifferentdemocraticmodelwherebytherichness agenda whichsaystheiraimsdistortthemarket.Alternatively,they theory -bydefensivelymouldingthemselvestothismarket-oriented ment -whicharebasedonaneconomicmodelofpublicchoice NGOs faceacrisis.TheycanrespondtothedemandsofGovern discouraged debate. advocacy andfoundthat76%feltthecurrentpoliticalculture year, interviewedalmost300NGOswhichengageinsomesortof The studySilencingDissent,publishedbytheAustraliaInstitutelast has beenincreasing. agencies. Atthesametime,AusAID’suseofcommercialcontractors

- - - PAGE 19 SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 -

I think that events like Live 8 can have a fantastic impact, If you come out strongly in support of political or social moment there does seem to be a lack of political music out there, but I think the ‘Big Business’ model of the music industry has had some serious dents put in its armour in recent years. I’m encouraged by the recent success of US bands such as Green Day - ‘American Idiot’ was a huge hit and a fantastic diatribe on the current scene in the States ... ‘I must be a faggot American; I’m not part of the redneck agenda’. Nice one!! I am also encouraged by the fact that there is some more positive and uplifting music getting out there. I’m encouraged by the recent success of US bands such as Green Day - ‘American Idiot’was a huge hit and a fantasticdiatribe on the current scene in the States ... BH Do you think that events Live8 like can have a positive effect on world problems such as poverty and debt? TN forcing these issues to the top of the media pile, at least for a short time. That campaign was about awareness. Unfortu nately it didn’t seem to have enough of the desired impact at the G8 summit, and the awful London bombings took some of the sting out of the campaign. There still remain the problems of corruption and continual human rights abuses in Africa, Mugabe providing the most obvious and horrific current example. BH Music today is business’. ‘big Does that mean that some rock stars are hesitant to critique ‘the system’? And that record companies are reluctant to publish ‘political’ work? TN causes, you run a risk of alienating your potential audience - something bands like Midnight Oil know about. At the - - singer/songwriter/instrumentalist in the Aria award-winning band George (www.george.net.au) and jazz/latin/soul band Palimpsest (www.palimpsest.com.au) the world’! get an insider’s To view Green editor Brian Hoepper interviewed Noonan, Ty In the aftermath Live8, of one metropolitan daily’s editorial exclaimed ‘Rock roll can ‘n‘ change

I think we live in very interesting times; it really seems At some point in a young person’s life, music can have At some point in a young person’s life, Yes, I guess I’m the most political animal in george, Yes, I guess I’m the area to affect real positive change. I’ve received many emails and had chats with fans about the political messages in our songs, and that’s awesome. weight of the world on your shoulders can be debilitating; I think that it’s only by almost completely disconnecting from the ‘weight’ of these problems that you can build your own personal power to focus your attention on one small communication/information. They say the 80s was the last age of innocence and I guess we now have a choice of being apathetic or militant, or something in between. Carrying the TN like the moral façade at the top end of western society is slowly but surely crumbling - ‘the truth is out there’ as they say … and the internet has become a powerful tool for BH Some critics claim that young people today (in countries Australia) like are not interested in ‘causes’ or areturned off ‘old-style’ by politics. What do you think? for music that young people feel these days, but I still see that passion and neo-tribalism in music scenes like hardcore and emo. a journalist. Another big influence was the Go-Betweens. I watched them rise from Brisbane to the top of the pile in London and Europe. I know that gaming and other enter tainment options have perhaps diverted some of the passion Dead Kennedys appealed to my teen needs for visceral anger release and my natural taste for the political, influenced by events under the Joh regime and from my dad’s position as at my auntie’s place, and my thirst for musical knowledge at my auntie’s place, and my thirst for and The Cure wrote really began then. Bands like The Smiths a bit weird and/or songs that let you feel it was okay to be nerdy and/or shy, while punk music like The Saints and The and Electric Light Orchestra as a young kid (and still am), I and Electric Light Orchestra as a young with ‘classical ears’. suppose due to having been brought up like Talking Heads But then at 10 years old I discovered stuff At the Opera’ and punk rock and heard Queen’s ‘A Night people? TN like the Beatles an amazing impact. I was largely into stuff ebral Palsy League of Qld, the Queensland Cancer Council. ebral Palsy League of Qld, the Queensland BH Do you believe that musicians can have a strong influence on the ideas, beliefs and values young of Governor-General Hollingsworth. but george has been And I don’t really want to grandstand such as Amnesty involved for many years with organisations The Cer International, The Wilderness Society, Greenpeace, most refined example of that would be the song ‘One’, a most refined example of that would be time including the direct response to strong issues at the Archbishop and lies about Tampa and the fall of the former having experienced the last throes of the Bjelke-Petersen having experienced violent, oppressive semi-fascist regime. It was a very surreal, but revolutionary and exciting time. songwriting. The There is a political bent to some of my BH Do you see yourself and the band as ‘political’ in what you do? TN Can rock’n’roll change the world? the change rock’n’roll Can SPRINGSPRING 20052005 ISSUEISSUE 17 PAGEPAGE 2020 as SharedResponsibilityandtheabolitionofATSIC–areaboutendingnotion Virtually alloftheHowardgovernment’srecentIndigenousaffairspolicies–such plans foranew‘WaronTerra’. Chris Grahamexplains,theNIClookssettorubberstampHoward’s of ATSICandtheappointmentaNationalIndigenousCouncil.As Australians havewaitedanxiouslytoseetheeffectsofscrapping other partofthe legislations?Let’snotforget thegovernment’sobjectives (nor Howard government willresisttheurgeto also dosomeminor‘tweaking’ to Can anyoneseriously believethat,havinggained amajorityintheSenate, the to reworkingAboriginalland rightsandnativetitlelaws. and landrightslegislations.In otherwords,homeownershipisthe‘Trojanhorse’ some ‘minortechnicaladjustments aroundtheedges’ofvariousnativetitle land meansyou’llfirsthaveto -inthewordsofHowardgovernmentmake Because toenableprivatehome ownershiponcommunally-ownedAboriginal the cartbeforehorse,whichbegsquestion:Why? and avibranteconomy.AboriginalAustraliahasneither.The governmenthasput Sustainable wealthcreationdependsonnumerousfactors, includinggoodhealth turned 20. live longenoughtoservicea30-yearhomeloanunlessthey borrowedbeforethey gional/remote community-under50years.Sothemajority ofborrowerswouldn’t home? ThenfactorintheaveragelifeexpectancyofanAboriginal personinare- any bankanywhereintheworldlendingmoneytoanAboriginal persontobuya was just$364.Inveryremoteareas,it$267.Onthis basis, canyouimagine tistics, theaveragenationalweeklyincomeforanAboriginalhouseholdin2001 to decadesofgovernmentneglect.AccordingtheAustralianBureauSta- It isafurphy!Almostallregional/remotecommunitieshavenorealeconomydue Indigenous Australiansoutofthemirepoverty. spin onthisissuerevolvesaroundthenotionofprivatehomeownershiplifting a governmenttolegislateagainstAboriginallandrights.TheNIC/government It’s extraordinaryadvice.NowhereonearthhasanyIndigenousgroupeverurged sonably refuse’arequestforprivateleaseoncommunally-ownedland. the compulsoryacquisitionofAboriginalland,wheretraditionalowners‘unrea- federal, stateandterritorygovernmentschangeexistinglegislationtoallowfor In theinterestsofeconomicdevelopment,NIChasrecommendedthat to alleviatethatconcern. recent adoptionofaset‘IndigenousLandTenurePrinciples’hasdonenothing become arubberstampfortheexcessesofHowardgovernment.TheNIC’s sory board.ThegreatfearintheappointmentofNICwasthatitwouldsimply appointed theNationalIndigenousCouncil(NIC),ahand-picked,part-timeadvi- After theabolitionofdemocratically-electedATSIC,Howardgovernment many ofthesevoters. stituency andhavingblackAustralianselectingtheirownleaderswouldaffront of AboriginalAustraliabeing‘separate’.HowardhaswooedtheOnenationcon- CHRIS GRAHAM CHRIS on Terra Howard’s War helpful precedent. precedent. helpful avery provides history recent then rights, land Aboriginal on assault an tolaunch going is government Howard the that convincing need still you If PAGEPAGE 2121 SPRINGSPRING 20052005 ISSUEISSUE 17 National Indigenous Times ... the Government does not seek to wind back or undermine native title or land ... the Government does not seek to wind back or undermine native title or land Chris Graham is Editor of the http://www.nit.com.au. sustain economic benefits. We want to make native title and communal land work sustain economic benefits. We want to make native title and communal land better.’ Howard’s War on Terra is the next big battlefield in Indigenous Affairs. rights. Rather we want to add opportunities for families and communities to rights. Rather we want to add opportunities for families and communities to build economic independence and wealth through use of their communal land and assets. We want to find ways to help Indigenous Australians secure, maximise nal people the notion of the Great Australian Dream of home ownership: ‘ issues.’ And here’s what the Prime Minister had to say at the recent Reconciliation Aus- tralia workshop in Canberra, held on May 31, while he was trying to sell Aborigi- the Government’s chief Indigenous source of policy advice and Regional Councils the Government’s chief Indigenous source of policy advice and Regional Councils will continue to play a central role in this process. The new structure [will] free ATSIC’s elected arm to focus on big picture policy transfer to a department.... There will be very little change for ATSIC’s elected arm, its staff, and the organisa- tions who receive funding or services from ATSIC. In particular ATSIC will remain say in April 2003, when the government announced sweeping changes to ATSIC say in April 2003, when the government announced sweeping changes to ATSIC which were supposed to strengthen the nation’s peak Indigenous body. their ‘Today’s decision [does] not entail ‘mainstreaming’ ATSIC’s programmes, nor assault on Aboriginal land rights, then recent history provides a very helpful prec- assault on Aboriginal land rights, then conduct in relation to the abolition of edent. Consider the Howard government’s Indigenous Affairs Philip Ruddock had to ATSIC. Here’s what former Minister for but a very long memory when it comes to fights he’s lost. but a very long memory when it comes government is going to launch an If you still need convincing that the Howard Act. The goal was to wipe out the Aboriginal ‘right to negotiate’ and Howard Act. The goal was to wipe out the Aboriginal nearly achieved it. past atrocities towards Aboriginal people, This is a man with a short memory on least of all its conduct) in the lead-up to the 1998 amendments to the Native Title least of all its conduct) in the lead-up to Aboriginal tent embassy Canberra’s famous Aboriginal Embassy Tent is an enduring reminder that justice for Indigenous people remainsan unfulfilledPhoto: Kathleen Gordon commitment. SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 PAGE 22 disclose the donor. donor. the disclose to required be would it before $45,000 almost receive could party a theoretically that change the under mean would This division. territory or state federal, each for one thresholds, nine of benefit acumulative claim can aparty whereby requirements disclosure in aloophole is there Already $1500 from $5000. to donations disclose to required are parties political which at threshold the raise to like would he stated also has Abetz Senator chisement, disenfran prisoner and rolls the of closing early to addition In democracy. inclusive a less us makes again and Australians non-Indigenous than prison in be to likely 11 are more who times Australians, Indigenous on impact adisproportionate has prisoners of Disenfranchisement Rights. Human on Convention European the of breach in hence and harsh, and arbitrary was prisoners all to rights voting of denial Kingdom’s United the that found Rights Human of Court European the 2004 in while Freedoms, and Rights of Charter Canadian the violated Act Elections Canada the under prisoners of disenfranchisement that found Canada of Court Supreme the 2002 In citizenship. of responsibilities and rights the into prisoners of rehabilitation the of part as seen is voting where democracies, other in ing happen is what of face the in flies This length. any of sentence, a prison serving those all disenfranchise also will Government The fraudulent. were changes enrolment the evidence any reveal not did however, cases, two these of investigation Further address. old an to back subsequently then and period roll of close the during address anew to moved had who found were voters two Australia South in voters enrolled amillion over of Out election. 2004 the for writs the of issuing the after made changes enrolment all of checks intensive undertook Commission Electoral Australian the MPs, Australian South some of concerns to response In outcome. the affecting of possibility little is there voting, pulsory com with combined 87,000 voters), (averaging electorates federal of size the given but seats, marginal in enrolments fraudulent about mythology urban much been has There election. the of ing call the after rush the in address wrong the at enrolling with away gets one no ensure to is early roll the closing for given reason The people. young on be will change this of impact gest big The vote. to up turn they when enrol to them allows example, for Canada, people. young of participation electoral the reduce, not increase, to trying are countries Other announced. is election an till details address changing or enrolling off put Many house. moved have who voters of number larger amuch for difficulties cause and voters new 80,000 about disenfranchise will announced is election an when roll the close to elections, recent from Judging now. as afterwards, aweek than rather election an for issued are writs the day the on roll electoral the closing include These ate. Sen the by rejected previously amendments electoral of a range through push will government the that announced has Abetz, Eric Senator State, of Minister Special The Act. Electoral monwealth Com the to changes foreshadowed government’s the concerning rebellion of however, sign, no given have backbenchers Individual power. bargaining increased greatly backbenchers government individual give will it as control, signify necessarily not will one of amajority having that speculate 76. of Some out 39 seats have now parties Coalition the that sense the July—in 1 on Senate Australian the of control gained Government The proposals. these examines Sawer, ian Mar institutions, ofdemocratic analysts foremost Australia’s of One process. democratic the in participation reduce and accountability weaken to threaten Act Electoral monwealth Com the to changes proposed government’s Howard The SAWER MARIAN The Senate and electoral democracy ------a level playing field for electoral competition, apart from public public from apart competition, electoral for field playing a level ensure to attempt little very is there fact In time. television buying on including parties, by spent be can much how or donated be can much how on Australia in limit no is there democracies, other like Un parties. political to money giving before approval shareholder seek to required not are Companies contractors. government or interests overseas including parties, to donate can Anyone with. ourselves compare usually we democracies the all of finance party Aus http://democratic.audit.anu.edu.au http://democratic.audit.anu.edu.au ofAustralia Audit Democratic the leads She sity. Univer National Australian Sciences, ofSocial School search Re the at Program Science Political the in is Sawer Marian ments. achieve Australian historic other and arbitration and conciliation with along museum history social the for destined be might everybody, almost by day, shared now polling our of rituals civic the successfully, more public the engage can we Unless side. own their by system the of fiddling the against out speak will few and prevail generally interests party matters electoral in Unfortunately values. democratic into in-roads further prevent to ranks breaking backbenchers government on dependent are we Senate, the in power of balance the holding longer no parties minor With forwards. than rather backwards going been have we Yet recently administration. electoral non-partisan and length arms- for amodel and democracy apioneering once was Australia young. the to numbers—than higher in vote elderly—who the to generosity government more be would consequence one USA, the in voting voluntary of effects the by Judging a choice. had they if vote would voters young of half about only that shown recently has Commission Electoral Australian the by auspiced Study Youth Electoral The marginalised. socially or young are who those are system avoluntary under vote to likely least Those vote. to out turn to likely most those to just not and community the of sections all to responsive be to have governments that ensuring democracy, Australian of strength agreat been has voting Compulsory it. losing of risk at are we turnout, voter declining counteract to away as voting compulsory at looking are Kingdom, United the including countries, overseas more when Just voting. voluntary of supporters outspoken also are Tony Smith, Matters, Electoral on Committee Standing Joint the of Chair the and Minchin Nick Senator Abetz, Senator including government, the of members Key down. water to wishes now government the which provisions disclosure the and finances) party major of cent 20 per than less comprises (which funding tralia already has the most laissez-faire regime for regulating regulating for regime laissez-faire most the has already tralia

- - - - PAGE 23 SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17

“But, having benefited from years economic of growth, our aid international spending reflect fails to shouldwhat be our government’s fair share.”

We have the opportunity to make trade fair and to end extreme poverty in our time. We have a practical way forward to achieve this through the MDGs. But it needs the will of governments of both developing and developed countries. Michaela Sargent is Campaigns Coordinator for the Austral- ian Council for International Development (ACFID) www.acfid.asn.au many campaigners feel that more commitments could have many campaigners feel that more commitments agree this is a been made, most Live 8 organisers and lobbyists one of two wealthy step in the right direction. Australia is now a timeline to increase countries which has not yet committed to aid. The issue of corruption is a major obstacle for many people when considering increased aid. The Make Poverty History Campaign calls for ‘more and better aid’ because delivery and management of aid dollars can be further improved to pro- mote and support good governance and prevent corruption. For example, well-targeted aid can ensure public servants are paid a fair salary, minimising motivation for accepting bribes. It can help build institutions capable of tracking and tackling corruption, including the judiciary. In Malawi for example, an aid agency has funded groups which tour the country’s schools making sure educational materials paid for by foreign aid actu- ally arrive. A dramatic MPH event in Melbourne’s Federation Square. Photo: Rob McKechnie by 2010. Though more than doubling its current aid budget

MICHAELA SARGENT Make poverty history! poverty Make 2004 to 2010 including US$1.2bn program to combat malaria. The EU committed to increase aid levels to an average of 0.56% of GNI by 2010 and 0.7 percent by 2015. Japan committed to countries. Debt campaigners believe this figure will need to be extended to 62 countries to achieve the MDGs. The US committed to doubling aid to sub-Saharan Africa from It confirmed up to 100% multilateral debt forgiveness for Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPCs). This has the potential to deliver to up to US$55bn in debt cancellations to up to 38 international aid spending fails to reflect what should be our government’s fair share. The recent G8 summit in Gleneagles added a new dimension. Australia has shown it is willing to take action with an 11 percent increase in overseas aid in nominal dollars this year. But, having benefited from years of economic growth, our of the few countries which has not committed to a timeline to reach the 0.54 percent needed to achieve the MDGs, much less the agreed 0.7 percent mark. Many countries have achieved or surpassed the 0.7 percent mark. 25 cents in every $100 of Gross National Income to interna- tional aid. For the first time in many years, in 2005, this rose to 28 cents due to increased aid to Indonesia. Australia is one org/reports/index_overview.htm But that is not all. Back in 1970, the wealthiest nations commit- ted to giving 0.7 percent ODA / GNI. In 2004 Australia gave just Each goal is supported by targets and indicators that meas- Each goal is supported by targets and indicators as a whole. The UN ure progress towards achieving the goals a report on how Secretary-General Kofi Annan commissioned these goals can be achieved - http://www.unmillenniumproject. • combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases • ensure environmental sustainability • develop a global partnership for development. • promote gender equality and empower women • promote gender equality and empower • reduce child mortality • improve maternal health These eight Millennium Development Goals are to: These eight Millennium Development Goals • eradicate extreme poverty and hunger • achieve universal primary education their economic and social governance, and it commits devel- their economic and social governance, and with others to oped nations, like Australia, to work together to more and better achieve fairer trade, debt relief and commit aid. not do this, then history will forever remember us for what we not do this, then history will forever remember didn’t do, not for what we did. to improve The MDG compact commits developing countries ment Goals (MDGs) acknowledges that our generation has the that our generation has the ment Goals (MDGs) acknowledges needless deaths from resources and the technology to end the of every day. If we do extreme poverty that occur every second In 2000, 194 of the world’s leaders made a historic com- In 2000, 194 of the world’s poverty by 2025, including halving mitment to end extreme commitment to the Millennium Develop- poverty by 2015. This will die from extreme poverty. Live8 recently drove home poverty. Live8 recently drove home will die from extreme As Michaela Sargent explains, this this staggering statistic. She details why the best hopes lie tragedy is preventable. Development Goals. with the Millennium In the time it takes you to read this article, 60 children In the time it takes SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 PAGE 24 lenge toUSpower. Theverysmallbutrealchance ofanuclearor floating brand-name Al-Qaeda–willprovideasubstantial chal or theradicalIslamic fundamentalistgroups–those whotakethe Yet ultimatelyitseemsunlikelythat theMuslimworldingeneral, region tipintoanewroundofconflict anddisarray. ramshackle governmentofSaudi Arabia,andwemayseethewhole rillas. TherecentdeathofKingFahd willputmorepressureonthe crossroads/meeting place/training groundforfundamentalistguer election ofahardlineIranianpresident,andithasturnedIraqinto a drawing theUSTreasuryfurtherintodeficit,ithasprompted quences. Ithashelpedpushthepriceofoiltonewheights,itis a genuinehistoricalevent,whichhasalreadyhadmajorconse – theinvasionofIraqandguerrillawarnowunderwayis bin Laden’sscriptandturneditintothestartofawar.Thatwar event, hadnottheBushadministrationdecidedtofollowOsama 9/11 wouldhaveremainedatthestatusofabizarreandhorrifying they onlybecomesoifpeoplehaveawilltomakethemso.Thus spectacular astheyare,arerarelygenuinehistoricalevents,and dramatic andfar-reachingprocessisgoingon.Terroristattacks, on civillibertiesoccuracrosstheEnglish-speakingworld,amore While theterroristattacksinLondonandconsequentattack gence’ posesprofoundchallengesforcivilsociety. Howard cosyinguptothePeople’sRepublicofChina.‘Conver has seentheconservativeAustraliangovernmentunderJohn are formed. For example, the search for security in such a world ties andthemedia.Inthisworld,oncecontradictoryalliances ism andtheco-optingofsocialinstitutionsincludinguniversi vergence’ markedbytheglobalspreadoffree-marketcapital Guy RundleanalysesapostColdWarand9/11worldof‘con Convergence inapost9/11world Nicholson of “The Australian” newspaper: www.nicholsoncartoons.com.au newspaper: Australian” “The of Nicholson which is it impossible to imagine any other way to live. growth and radicalgrowth individualism creates asituation in … for many the combination of media, consumer - - GUY RUNDLE GUY - - - - - The processofcapital’s expansionisnowbackon track,andhence to beMarxist,but wasdirectlycontradictorytoit inseveralrespects. social life–was held upbyamovement–Leninism –thatclaimed Marx –thespreadofcapitalisminto everyregionandareaof result ofthe20thcenturyisthat oneoftheprocessesdescribedby the October1917revolutionoccurred inRussia.Themostbizarre might haveoccurredinthoseregions inthe20sand30shadnot shift. Neverthelessitcanbeseen asacontinuationofprocessthat is likelytohavenotyetreallygottheirheadaroundthisepochal grew upintheperiodofcoldwarandexistenceUSSR mies intheeasternblocandChina.It’sfairtosaythatanyonewho state-run (socialistorstate-capitalist,asyouprefer)plannedecono of coursethespreadfree-marketcapitalismtowhatwereonce The mostobviousexampleoftheconvergenceprocesshasbeen have knownit. here –andonewhichistransformingtheterrainofpoliticsaswe forces, aprocessthatishappeningasmuchin,say,Chinait is oneofmultipleconvergencepolitical,economicandsocial occurring bothwithinandwithoutwesternsocieties.Thatprocess this wouldbecuttingwiththegrainofalargerscaleprocessthatis ‘war onterror’.Furthermore,evensuchanextraordinaryeventas occur –anassaultbeyondanythingwehaveyetexperiencedinthe inevitable assaultonfree-speechanddissidentopinionthatwould important tobementallyandpoliticallypreparedforit,the faux-thriller writersofthepaperswouldhaveusbelieve.,Yetitis of Muslims.Suchaneventismoreunlikelythansomethe imposing immediatemartiallaw,andexpellinglargenumbers of London–wouldprobablydoit,withwesterngovernments Manhattan, orofthecentreWashington,financialdistrict large scaleterroristincident–thedestructionoflowerpart

- PAGE 25 SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17

“Civil liberties become a become liberties “Civil What many. for letter dead possible What for? they are be?” they could use are interested in broader treatment of these ideas, should check the website (www.arena.org.au) to find out how to subscribe. the lines of defence. People invite the state to enter major areas of the lines of defence. People invite the state or work for larger their individual life, while the capacity to envisage for example – be- areas of democratic control – of the economy a dead letter for comes simply unimaginable. Civil liberties become could they be? Many many. What are they for? What possible use to one-party states, ask. Multi-party political systems become similar the sort of society since there is no significant disagreement about it is a coalition gov- one is striving towards. Hence, as we have seen, Chinese government, ernment which is so happy to welcome the a market economy, to to declare their system (for trade purposes) so on. allow their secret police to run security and Convergence is the dominant socio-political force of our time, yet to thereby believe that it is unchallengeable or even necessarily long- lasting would be the supreme illusion. Just as it begins its consolida- tion, one can also see cracks appearing – in the various revolutions and transformations that have shaken Latin America recently for example. Eventually, the larger power-blocs – the north versus the south – will come into conflict (violent or otherwise) over resources, global share, etc. None of this absolves us of the responsibility for making alternatives, political and social, but it does indicate the importance of understanding both the immensity and the provision- ality of the forces dominating the way we live. Guy Rundle is on the board of Arena Magazine. Readers who sense of fragility and risk become dominant. It is in such a situation sense of fragility and risk become dominant. people can imagine, that the state becomes the only recourse that the response to dra- as a way to guarantee a stable social life. Thus bombings become matic but isolated incidents such as the London life is reorganised along a near-panic – led by politicians – and social . life with others. Crime and violence – both the things themselves, and more importantly the perception of them – tend to rise, and a creates a situation in which it is impossible to imagine any other way to live. Society increasingly becomes one of winners and losers side by side, and many people come to lack what earlier societies provided – mutual recognition and a sense of identity arising from in the 60s and 70s – are there other ways to live – can still be asked (eg in a book such as Clive Hamilton’s Affluenza) but for many the combination of media, consumer growth and radical individualism difficult for collective movements to arise as was possible in the earlier period of capitalism. In such a world, the economic questions that became paramount latter creates problems of ‘anomie’ – a world where happiness is sought in individual protection and perfection via plastic surgery, pills, therapy, diets, celebrity, etc – while the former makes it more social and psychological dislocation. In places like Russia this is overlaid with enormous poverty – its economy having shrunk by 50 percent since 1991 –and in other places with excessive wealth. The development of movements (such as feminism) in which people redefine themselves and reject old and limiting social roles. But everywhere – here, China, Russia, wherever – it creates an enormous the way that individuals are shaped as children and young adults, and open out the social context they live in, creating a more mobile society of fleeting association, rather than one grounded in family, kin or neighbourhood. Part of this is liberatory – it allows for the critical) mindset. The media are ceaselessly revolutionised by this critical) mindset. The media are ceaselessly with the develop- (TV, internet, mobile telephony), and – together effects. They change ment of transport, cities, etc – have profound substantially separate domains, now relentlessly feed into the substantially separate domains, now relentlessly into it in the form of creation of a hi-tech society which feeds back than reflective or corporate start-ups, and a market-based (rather (which arose from the needs of World War 2) science, technol- (which arose from the needs of World War been drawn into a ogy, the universities, and media systems have universities, once combined process of social reproduction. Thus In the west that process has largely occurred and the overall In the west that process has largely occurred for some decades western economy has been steadily stagnating to this process now, despite various peaks and troughs. Symbiotic the sudden – to those who weren’t watching – appearance of China the sudden – to those who weren’t watching a rapidly expanding as a place with a huge low-paid labour force, and hi-tech sectors industrial base, and a burgeoning middle-class SPRINGSPRING 20052005 ISSUEISSUE 17 PAGEPAGE 2626 Why nuclear is not an option will have to be stored safely for hundreds of thousands of of thousands of hundreds for safely stored be to have will that waste radioactive produces inevitably also power Nuclear treaty. the of ‘club’ breach in are nuclear the join to aspiring others some and weapons holding states Most disarray. complete in ended Treaty Proliferation Non the on conference UN recent The ism. terror- nuclear or weapons nuclear of risk increased the but Chernobyl, like accidents of risk the just not is There gerous. dan- too is power Nuclear pollution. greenhouse reduce to way cheapest the far by is waste energy Reducing washing. and cooking lighting, as such services into energy turning of ciency effi- the improving than expensive more are supply of forms All annum. per cent per 30 20 of to rates at increasing are energy solar and power wind of amounts the while since, declining been has and ago years 15 peaked USA the and Europe western in reactors of number The energy. nuclear on backs their turned investors world, the around liberalised markets energy As power. nuclear for case economic no is there So waste. radioactive the storing and reactors power decommissioning of costs huge the including without even energy, solar of forms some and bio-wastes from power, energy wind than expensive more certainly is electricity up. Nuclear stack don’t just power nuclear of economics The 2050. by cent per 60 of goal UK the like dioxide, carbon releasing of rate our reducing for target aserious set should we So impacts. ecological and economic serious ing caus- already is It accelerating. are effects its and now pening hap- is it real, is change climate that doubt serious no is There efficiency. improved and energy renewable of favour in option nuclear the rejecting is world developed the of most why is That pollution. greenhouse on impact little too makes and slow too dangerous, too costly, too is It response. awise not is option nuclear the But debate. resulting the and awareness that Iwelcome change. climate to respond to need urgent the of recognition welcome is energy nuclear about debate The why. us tells Lowe Ian fuels? fossil gas-producing greenhouse to alternative an as power nuclear use not Why “If nuclear power is the answer, must it have silly been avery question

IAN LOWE IAN known writer on scientific themes. scientific on writer known well and Future the for Commission of the head former a University, Griffith at Professor Emeritus is Lowe Ian question. silly avery been have must it answer, the is power nuclear If change. climate stop won’t it and dangerous, and slow expensive, is power Nuclear waste. and sewage as such matter organic from energy and efficiency, energy heating, water power, solar wind pollution: greenhouse in reductions fective cost-ef- sustainable produce that alternatives sensible the to acommitment make We should sources. renewable from ergy en- deriving for potential enormous its given power nuclear of option the considering be even not should now. Australia act to need we climate, our to changes further To dangerous avoid dioxide. carbon more much release and energy fuel conventional more much require used be then would that ore of grades poorer The depleted. rapidly resources those see would power nuclear of expansion so rate, present the at use decades afew to amount only ores uranium high-grade of resources known The generated. is electricity any before construction reactor and processing mining, from pollution greenhouse in increase amassive is there ores, grade high- such with Even available. are ores uranium high-grade presumes pollution greenhouse reduce would power nuclear that argument The change. climate stop won’t power Nuclear tomorrow. pollution reducing make a difference. Even if all all if Even adifference. make to capacity its in limited too and slow too is power Nuclear irresponsible. just is production waste of rate the expanding solution, aviable of absence the In problem. this to solution a demonstrated yet has nobody experiment, power nuclear the of years fifty nearly After years. efficient appliances can be be can appliances efficient More months. six in power ing deliver- and up be can turbines Wind electricity. of unit first the deliver and station a power construct to dollars billion eral sev- and years more ten about take still would it granted, were approvals government .” PAGE 27 SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 Christine Milne Christine already demonstrated it will stand up to the Prime Minister over mandatory detention of asylum seekers. It is important that the Greens demonstrate that we are critical if the government is to be held accountable as we are the only opposition party prepared to challenge the government’s response to the critical issues of our time - climate change, poverty, terrorism and the war on Iraq. – climate change. My portfolio responsibilities cover the range of – climate change. My portfolio responsibilities lies for success areas where action is needed and where potential energy policy, rural in the transition to a low-carbon economy - business and the new and regional affairs, transport, tourism, small claim of conservative economy. I will also focus on challenging the the values that parties to hold a monopoly on values, by promoting including equal- underpin the Australian Greens policy platform, democracy, ity, justice, respect, compassion, fairness, participatory In addition I plan to government accountability, peace and hope. forest campaigns that work on a range of Tasmanian coastal and and to are seeking to protect our unique natural environment, to ensure prosperity foster a new cultural and economic framework that is shared fairly and that respects the principles of ecological sustainability. Q: Given John Howard will have a majority in both houses, what do you think you can do to exercise a strong Greens pres- ence in the Senate? A: The Greens have always worked in the community as well as the parliament to advance our vision for Australia and the world. Parliament will remain an important forum for our work. The gov- ernment’s slender majority means that the Senate will continue to be a key focus of national political affairs because success or failure hangs on one vote. We can use the Senate to expose the coalition’s short-term thinking and political expediency, through questions, estimates hearings, amending legislation and introducing private members bills. We can seek to work with progressive members of other parties to push for inquiries. The Coalition backbench has Q: Could you tell us a little about your background before be- Q: Could you tell us ing elected to the Senate? north-west on my parents’ dairy farm A: I grew up in Tasmania’s to boarding school in Hobart and after at Wesley Vale. I moved of Tasmania. I taught English, his- graduating from the University In at high schools in Burnie and Devonport. tory and social science in the campaign to save the Franklin River the 1980s I was arrested to protect Tasmania’s north-west from and later led the campaign Wesley Vale Pulp Mill. I was elected the impacts of the proposed seat of Lyons in the Tasmanian House of in 1989 to represent the seat in the state parliament until 1998. From Assembly and I held a The Greens lost four 1993 I was leader of the . the Labor and Liberal of their five seats at the 1998 election when referendum, to lift the parties changed the Constitution, without a to work as an adviser quota required to secure election. I went on World Conservation for Bob Brown and became involved in the Union (IUCN), of which I am currently vice-president. to focus on, at least Q: What issues do you think you are likely early in your term? Australia’s economy to A: I will be promoting the need to reshape that the world faces address the greatest environmental challenge guest greens guest Rachel Siewert Rachel met with a number of community organisations who are raring to go and are excited to have four Green Senators to work with. most affect their constituencies – rural development issues for coun- try members and social justice issues for small ‘l’ Liberal senators. But we must also focus outside Parliament on what we do well Here in WA we have already and campaigning. roots activism - grass coalition is vulnerable to public pressure, or where there are some potential cracks in their back bench. We need to be pushing them to take responsibility for their decision making on the issues that - such as question time, motions on notice, reviewing government documents, general business time, committee work and adjourn- ments. We also need to be identifying strategic ‘wedge’ issues where the what do you think you can do to exercise a strong Greens pres- ence in the Senate? A. We need to use every opportunity in the Senate that we can to agree on our key messages and present a consistent front. consistent a present and messages key our on agree to Q. Given John Howard will have a majority in both houses, articulate and proactively talk about our core values. The decision to to decision The values. core our about talk proactively and articulate investment, strategic longer-term a is agenda values-based a develop wider the with engages party the if succeed to likely more is which need We message. the reinforce and build to community progressive ing more loudly and strongly our values and proactively setting the terms of the debate. to is do we all in theme underpinning an that keen therefore am I I’m also very keen to campaign around the values-based agenda. I’m also very keen to campaign around the the ‘values’ debate in For too long the conservatives have captured term campaign by them Australia There has been a deliberate long must be articulat- to set the terms of the public debate. We Greens mainstreaming of Indigenous services and Indigenous health, ma- mainstreaming of Indigenous services and Indigenous and salinity, rine conservation, water, natural resource management advocacy groups. and the support and protection of community While I have some ideas about other campaigns, I’m currently While I have some ideas about other campaigns, key campaign talking to a range of stakeholders to help identify poverty, housing, include far identified so Those priorities. and areas Obviously industrial relations and the Howard government’s ‘wel- Obviously industrial relations and the Howard areas for me. We’ve fare to work’ agenda will be immediate focus formed a national IR already kicked off a postcard campaign and working group. A. My portfolios include employment and workplace relations, A. My portfolios include employment and workplace affairs, environment, family and community services, indigenous agriculture and fisheries. Q. What issues do you think you are likely to focus on, at least Q. What issues do you think you are likely early on in your term? resource management and salinity. In my ‘spare’ time I also helped and salinity. In my ‘spare’ time I also helped resource management missed out on a out on refugee and peace campaigns. I narrowly was co-convenor of the Senate seat in the 2001 Federal election and Greens WA 2002 -2004. As an environmental activist I worked on a wide range of campaigns campaigns of range wide a on worked I activist environmental an As conservation, clearing of native including mining, biodiversity and air pollution - specialising in natural vegetation, marine issues years. Prior to this I was a research officer on salinity and soil years. Prior to this I was of Agriculture - in the small town conservation for the Department southern wheatbelt of WA, having studied of Jerramungup in the the University of WA. agricultural science at Q. Could you tell us a little about your background before be- Q. Could you tell us ing elected to the Senate? the Conservation Council of WA for 16 A. I was Coordinator for Oquist. Ben Brown, O’Toole, Bob Van Michelle Dyke, ,Lauren Burling Adam Cameron, Prue is team :Our House At Parliament SPRING 2005 ISSUE 17 PAGE 28 Bob’s backpage and death. Now BP has invented a vapourless petrol called called petrol avapourless invented has BP Now death. and destruction physical and mental violence, causes sniffing Petrol people. Warlpiri the with sniffing petrol of scourge the about talking campfire, bythe skies, Centralian under outback great the in anight spent I’ve Cameron, Prue With the Sniffing Off him. join to Clare for percent 17.0 and aseat win to Mark for vote the of percent 8.5 needs team Green Hannon-Young. The Sarah and Bugden Jake McCarty, Clare team; agreat has he 2006 For time. the for idea -aripe party Greens Australian aSouth for time was it that me to suggested Mark Hobart, in conference Landcare 1994, In anational at March. next elections the in house) (upper Council Legislative state’s their for team Greens SA the head to picked been has Parnell Mark lawyer E.D.O. making: the in parliamentarians Talk splendid of Running and off Mark that. for credit of share his take can 11on Ben percent: us has Poll Nielsen latest The prominence. national to rise our to important been have media, national the and Sydney in and Gallery, Press National the in Greens us promoting in role adept remarkably his and Ben’s skills again.). Ian with apost taken just has He press. (Stop Cohen. Ian Councillor, Legislative first Greens’ the for then and officer liaison groups’ environment as parliament NSW the in worked Ben 1996, in me with work to coming Before Council. Legislative NSW the for Greens the for nominating and Sydney of city home his to returning of thinking is 10 last years these officer media and adviser friend, my good Oquist, Ben ‘upBen going’ and Wielangta stag beetle. The hearing is over two weeks from from weeks two over is hearing The beetle. stag Wielangta the and parrot Swift the eagle, Tasmania’s Wedge-tailed including species, endangered and rare threatens ging log The Tasmania’s on coast. forest east why-lang-ta) (pronounced Wielangta Tasmania’s beautiful the of logging Forestry to challenge court afederal launched I have Wielangta: National Showdown loyalty? shareholders’ the is Where $3.75. hit just have Mercy. Christmas, before writ million $6.3 their with us issued they when $4.56 at shares, Gunns theyDown go million. $3,000 about is year each truckers other and loggers miners, for rebate fuel diesel annual The found. be can’t Tennant to Creek, Pedy Coober from petrols, old the replace to Opal for needed annum per dollars million 10 8or the if ask to Thursday next Costello Treasurer I’m seeing expensive. more alittle is which Fuel Opal Bob my best, All south! the of city divine the is Bay. Hobart Recherche and Beach Mile Seven at calved have whales and Dock Constitution in splashing aseal been has there weeks recent In everywhere. are Buds through. ing break sunbeams winter late the and clouds lowering wind, a wild There’s metres. 500 to down snow is there morning this But Wellington. Mt asnowless to out looking been winter, has warm aworryingly after office, Hobart Our View of the Top Nationals. the to next and chamber the across seat, old Harradine’s Brian has Fielding Senator So daft. was us, to next senator First Family lone the put to plan, first his that persuaded was President The Greens. of awedge have chamber, we Senate the In downstairs. Rachel and Christine and door next is by. drop Do Kerry Range. Brindabella the to view alovely gives It Wing. West the of floor second the to moved have we Canberra, House, At Parliament at theRoom Top www.bobbrown.org.au. -see You help can Australia. across right forests wild of logging for ramifications has case The ‘conservation’. than rather ‘forestry’ of side the –on ing hear the enter Commonwealth the having considering and seriously more alittle it he’s treating Well, now syndrome’. deprivation ‘media suffering me on based ‘aas stunt’ challenge the lambasted Macdonald, Ian Conservation, and Forests for Minister May, In Federal 24 the October. - - -