GREENS E-BRIEF 203

IN THIS E-BRIEF

1. From the Offices of Greens MPs in NSW

2. Coming events involving Greens

3. What's on

4. Hot website tips

5. Campaigns

6. Inquiries and Calls for Submissions

7. Job advertisements and volunteer positions

8. Contact details for Greens MPs

9. Submitting Items For E-Brief

1. FROM THE OFFICES OF GREENS MPs IN NSW

(Full contact details for all Greens MPs in NSW are at the end of this email)

LEE RHIANNON MLC

www.leerhiannon.org.au
lee.rhiannon@parliament.nsw.gov.au

POLITICAL FUNDING REFORM

After years of Labor and the Coalition parties ridiculing the Greens position on political donations these parties are now backing radical reform. We need to watch the fine detail of any changes. Chris Maltby, Dr Norman Thompson and myself met with NSW Labor secretary Karl Bitar. While welcoming the Premier’s willingness to change his position we raised concerns that a complete ban on individual donations could make it virtually impossible for emerging parties and independents to stand in elections. Read the full report on this meeting at http://newmatilda.com/2008/04/09/whats-with-back-flip

The Greens donations website - http://www.democracy4sale.org/ - has played a key role in helping expose many of the donation scandals now in the headlines:
http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2008/s2216656.htm
http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/watch-it-morris-or-well-rip-yer-bloody-arms-off/2008/04/15/1208025182117.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/15/2217715.htm

WINS IN PARLIAMENT

A number of Greens motions were passed in the April sitting of parliament including –
* a motion requiring the government to release previously secret documents detailing World Youth Day costs: http://lee.greens.org.au/index.php/content/view/2501/50/
* a motion calling on the proposed sand mine at Somersby on the Central Coast not to be approved and for a three-kilometre exclusion zone for mine operations near schools and residential areas:
http://lee.greens.org.au/index.php/content/view/2505/50/

CYANIDE WARNING

I have again called on the NSW government to inform Blue Mountains residents about how much and how often cyanide destined for gold mining in western NSW is being transported through their community. When I asked the Minister this question last year the reply was 'we don't know':
http://lithgow.yourguide.com.au/news/local/general/answers-sought-on-cyanide-trains/1220365.html

SCHOOL FINGER PRINTING

I have asked Privacy NSW to investigate the current use of fingerprinting systems in NSW schools and to recommend privacy safeguards:
http://lee.greens.org.au/index.php/content/view/2487/50/

SOLARIUM BAN

Following the WA decision to join Victoria and South Australia and tighten up solarium industry rules I called on Premier Iemma to end self-regulation of the industry:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/health/solarium-ban-for-fair-skin-minors/2008/04/09/1207420485900.html

BIOFUEL WARNING

The Greens are calling for an independent inquiry into the environmental and greenhouse gas impacts of ethanol. A recent CSIRO report on Biofuels in Australia warns that a large-scale biofuels industry could force the import of wheat in drought years. Ethanol is no silver bullet and has debatable greenhouse and environmental benefits. http://lee.greens.org.au/index.php/content/view/2502/50/

IAN COHEN MLC

www.iancohen.org.au
ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au

CDL

My bill on container deposit legislation has been introduced into the Upper House one week before a meeting of environment ministers discusses the same issue in Melbourne. The objective of the bill is to trigger a container deposit scheme if the targets of the latest National Packaging Covenant are not met by 2010. The recently leaked audit of a national recycling report to the Sydney Morning Herald irrefutably demonstrates that not only has self-regulation failed, but may have pushed us backwards on recycling rates. For example, the leaked audit confirms that glass packaging recycling rates are floundering at 36 percent … while in South Australia they’re achieving rates above 70%.
http://bulletin/prod/parlment/hansArt.nsf/V3Key/LC20080410008

ETHANOL FEVER

The Premier broke into a sweat this week running hard to promote legislation that would see all unleaded petrol sold in NSW containing 10 percent ethanol from 2010. At the moment he’s having a bet both ways. He’s promoting a boutique ethanol industry that may offer some advantages over regular petrol. He also leads a Government that has approved the import and manufacture of biodiesel from palm oil sourced exclusively from South East Asia. Palm oil based biofuels are extremely controversial and whilst they may be safe for your car, they’re fuelling the destruction of rainforest biodiversity and producing fuels that can have a greenhouse gas intensity greater than regular diesel fuels.

If the Government is serious about building a low carbon economy then once they've committed to properly funding public transport, they will need to invest time and money into a consumer education campaign on transport fuels. They will also need to support the development of an independently audited, environmental fuel standard that gives consumers confidence that the biofuel they buy is not only safe for their car, but is less harmful to the environment than the conventional, petrochemical alternative.

PROGRAM OF APPLIANCES FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (PADP)

Some progress has been made with work supporting NGOs in the bid to fund this program to the point where all people in need of specialist equipment actually get what they are entitled to.

My office – backed by a Pricewaterhouse Coopers report - is calling for a dramatic increase from the current 2007/08 budget of $24.2M to around $50M.

SYLVIA HALE MLC

www.sylviahale.org.au
sylvia.hale@parliament.nsw.gov.au

CALL FOR PLANNING MINISTER TO BE STOOD ASIDE

This week I called for the Planning Minister Frank Sartor to be stood aside while there is an independent investigation into allegations, aired in Sydney newspapers and on Monday's 4 Corners program on ABC TV, that planning decisions he has made were influenced by political donations and lobbying efforts by developers.

In both the Tralee development near Queanbeyan and the Sweetwater development in the Hunter Valley the Minister overrode independent planning advice in making decisions that delivered huge windfall financial gains to major donors to the Labor Party. He has similarly ignored the advice of his own Department and nominated Catherine Hill Bay as suitable for residential development.

Mr Sartor’s continuing assertions that decisions are made on their merits and that political donations do not affect planning decisions become less credible with each new revelation that planning advice has been overridden in a developer’s favour.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/15/2217133.htm

GREENS MOVE FOR NEW LOCAL GOVT ELECTIONS IN WOLLONGONG AND PORT MACQUARIE PASSES UPPER HOUSE

A Greens amendment to the NSW Local Government Act requiring new elections this year for Wollongong and Port Macquarie-Hastings Councils has passed the NSW Upper House. The amendment to the Local Government Amendment (Elections) Bill 2008 requires that where a council is dismissed and an Administrator appointed, elections for a new council must be held either within twelve months of the dismissal or at the next scheduled local council elections, whichever is the sooner.

My amendment to the Bill was supported by the Opposition and the crossbenchers. Only the Government opposed it. The amendment sends a clear message to the Government that the Upper House believes that democracy must be restored to local communities sooner rather than later.

The amended Bill will now go back to the Lower House. The onus is on the government to accept the amendment and do the right thing by the communities who have suffered for so long at the hands of corrupt or incompetent councillors and their cronies.
http://illawarra.yourguide.com.au/news/local/general/anger-mounts-at-town-hall/1219140.html

JOHN KAYE MLC

www.johnkaye.org.au
john.kaye@parliament.nsw.gov.au

IEMMA GOVERNMENT DUMPS KEY UNSWORTH ENVIRONMENTAL AND LOW INCOME CONDITIONS

Premier Morris Iemma’s response to the Unsworth Inquiry into electricity privatisation ditched key protections for the environment, including the recommendation that his government not advocate for shielding the owners of the coal-fired power stations from carbon trading. Without compensation or free permits, the banks and the international utility industry are unlikely to be interested in purchasing the industry.
http://www.johnkaye.org.au/media/iemma-government-dumps-key-unsworth-environmental-and-low-income-conditions/
http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/privatisation-turns-iemma-green/2008/04/10/1207420587449.html

COSTA’S OWN FIGURES SHOW GARNAUT IS A BARGAIN

NSW Treasurer Michael Costa’s predicted economic impacts of reducing CO2 emissions would be very small compared to the costs of doing nothing. A one-year delay in the time it takes to double the economy would be a good investment in climate change risk reduction.
http://www.johnkaye.org.au/media/costas-own-figures-show-garnaut-is-a-bargain/
http://canberra.yourguide.com.au/news/local/business/emissionsbusinesssafety-netis-urged/1217193.html

CLIMATE CHANGE BUSINESS FUNDING RORTS

Large corporate donors to the Labor Party were the big winners in the first round of the government’s climate change grants. Almost 40% of the $11.7 million awarded to businesses through the Climate Change Fund went to Coca Cola, Mirvac, Westfield, Qantas and Coles. Between them they have donated $2.3 million since 1999.
http://www.johnkaye.org.au/media/iemma-government-uses-climate-fund-to-reward-big-donors
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/we-failed-to-declare-donations-alp/2008/04/14/1208025090840.html

DELLA’S STAFFING EXPERIMENT SPELLS DISASTER FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION

NSW Education Minister John Della Bosca’s dangerous staff transfer scheme would undermine the ability of public education to provide qualified teachers for all students, regardless of where they live. The Greens successfully moved a motion in parliament calling on the Minister to accept the Teachers Federation’s offer to negotiate.
http://www.johnkaye.org.au/media/parliament-calls-on-della-to-negotiate-with-union-over-staffing/
http://www.johnkaye.org.au/media/dellas-staffing-experiment-spells-disaster-for-public-education/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/08/2210983.htm

RIGHTWING BLOWBACK RIDES TO YOUNG LIBS’ RESCUE

John’s defence of academic freedom against the young Liberal movement’s McCarthyism (see http://www.johnkaye.org.au/younglibs ) has been attacked in the pages of Rupert Murdoch’s Australian by conservative columnists Christopher Pearson and Janet Albrechtsen
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23484305-7583,00.html
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23545660-7583,00.html

NSW’S NEW ‘NAME AND SHAME’ FOOD SAFETY LAWS OFFER LITTLE PROTECTION

Only a small corner of the veil of secrecy over hygiene standards in NSW restaurants will be lifted by changes to the Food Act passed by the NSW parliament last week. John’s amendments, which were defeated, would have ensured that all restaurants were regularly inspected and the results made public.
http://www.foodweek.com.au/main-features-page.aspx?articleType=ArticleView&articleId=1731

2. COMING EVENTS INVOLVING GREENS

OTHER WORLDS 2: AN ALTERNATIVE 2020 SUMMIT
18-19 April
University of Technology, Sydney

Is neo-conservatism in the history books? And what next for the growing political and social movements – how can they build their power? How do they produce allies, organisations, legitimacy, inspiration, vision? Held on the opening day of the new Government’s 2020 summit, this conference, open to all, explores strategy and action for alternative 2020 visions.

Speakers include Lee Rhiannon and Damien Lawson from the Greens, and a range of others who research activism.

The conference is free but places are limited. Crèche facilities will be available on the 19th. Drinks for the Friday reception, teas and coffee and lunch on the Saturday are also free.

To ensure a place pre-register at: james.goodman@uts.edu.au

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PROTEST AGAINST ENERGY AUSTRALIA'S PLANS TO CONSTRUCT HIGH VOLTAGE OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINES ON THE CENTRAL COAST
Wed 23rd April, 12.30pm
Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place (near the corner of Bent St and O'Connell St), Sydney
Outside the offices of Energy Minister Ian Macdonald and Central Coast Minister John Della Bosca.

Speakers: Representatives of community groups opposed to the overhead transmission line, Gosford Councillor Terri Latella and Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
Bring your family and friends and a sign or placard.

Transport: Terri is organising a bus from Gosford to Sydney and return on the 23rd April. To book a seat contact: terri.latella@gosford.nsw.gov.au or phone Terri on 43 602 934.

The transmission line exposes residents to risks from magnetic fields and will impact on the environmentally sensitive areas of Terrigal Lagoon and Wamberal Lagoon.

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FUNDRAISER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
Fri 18th April, 8pm
Teachers Club, 23 Mary St, Surry Hills

Martin Pearson - Greens Comedy Night

"Martin writes songs that tickle your funny bone and your fancy but hit a nerve every time. We like him because he makes us laugh, but also because he makes us think" - Judy Small.

With: The Lurkers
Enquiries: Prue 9365 0398
Tickets: $25 Keen Greens / $20 / $15 Concession

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PRIVATISATION: THE REAL STORY – A PUBLIC YR@W FORUM
Wednesday 23rd April, 6.30pm
Alexandria Town Hall, Garden St, Alexandria (near Henderson Rd)

Guest Speakers:
Doug Cameron (ALP Senator elect)
John Kaye (Greens MP)
Frank Stillwell (Lecturer in Economics, USyd)
Alison Peters (CEO NCOSS)

The Inner West YR@W group presents a public meeting to discuss the problems with the State Government’s plans to privatise the electricity industry. Find out what it really means to sell off our power resources to private enterprise and how it will effect you the consumer.

For more information contact Irene 0416 410 374

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ANTI-PRIVATISATION RALLY IN MAROUBRA
Saturday 26th April, 11am
Outside Michael Daley MP’s office
208-212 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction

Speakers include Greens MP John Kaye MLC & Randwick City Councillor Murray Matson.

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PUBLIC POWER NOT PRIVATE PROFIT FORUM
Thursday 1st May, 6.45pm
RSL Hall, Fawcett St (behind Ampol), Brunswick Heads

Guest speakers: Greens MP John Kaye
Soup and light refreshments available

Organised by the Byron Ballina Greens: http://www.byronballinagreens.org

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2008 MAY DAY RALLY AND PRIVATISATION PROTEST AT ALP CONFERENCE
Saturday 3 May, 9.30am
Darling Harbour Convention Centre (Opposite IMAX Theatre)

This year’s May Day rally will be held in conjunction with the community rally against the privatisation of electricity outside of the ALP State conference.

Speakers:
Andrew Ferguson - CFMEU NSW State Secretary
John Kaye – Greens NSW
Randa Abdel-Fatteh - Palestinian Community

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2008 JUANITA NIELSEN MEMORIAL LECTURE
6:15pm for 6:30pm start Tuesday 6 May 2008
Mori Gallery, 168 Day Street, Sydney (Five minutes from Town Hall Station)

Guest Speaker: Sue Bradford, NZ Greens MP
“Social justice in the age of climate change and peak oil: an Aotearoa perspective”

Prior to entering parliament Sue was a high profile activist against New Right social and economic government reforms, becoming a target for the backers of these policies in New Zealand. Sue has also worked as a community development worker in the unemployed and welfare sector. Her portfolios for the Greens include industrial relations, mental health, social services and gambling.

Cate Faehrmann will speak on the life and times of Juanita Nielsen. Cate is the Executive Director of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, representing 120 member groups across the State. Cate has previously managed media and election campaigns for the Greens in Australia and New Zealand. She is on the Boards of the environmental law organisation the Environmental Defenders Office and the online campaigning organisation GetUp!

Greens Ashfield councillor Mary Hawkins will be the MC for this year’s lecture.

Juanita Nielsen, publisher of the independent paper NOW and active campaigner against high-rise development in Kings Cross, disappeared in July 1975. Her murderers were never brought to justice. The investigation has been re-opened. The circumstances of her disappearance remain unresolved but it is commonly believed that she was murdered for her stand on the environment and the rights of low-income residents.

Organised by Greens MP Lee Rhiannon. RSVP (02) 9230 3551 or linda.wilhelm@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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GREENS ON SUNDAY: THE GREENS MADE EASY
Sunday 11 May, 2pm - 5pm
The Greens NSW Office, 19 Eve St Erskineville

The Greens are a rapidly growing political party with a dynamic, progressive vision. If you would like to know more about The Greens or have recently joined, this is the forum for you.

NSW Greens MPs and others will discuss the history, policies, structure and international dimensions of The Greens. Who are The Greens and what do they stand for? Why did you join, or why should you? How can you participate? This is also an opportunity for you to meet fellow Greens and give input on how the party can work for you.

Greens members, friends & prospective members all welcome.

Organised by Greens NSW. For more information contact: 9519 0877 or office@nsw.greens.org.au

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GREENS SYDNEY FORUM: GLOBALISATION AT THE PRECIPICE?
31 May
Sydney Mechanics Institute, Pitt St, Sydney

Speakers include Frank Stilwell and Steve Keen. More details to follow.

3. WHAT'S ON

NO HOME - AN ART EXHIBITION DISCUSSING HOMELESSNESS
Wednesday to Saturday, 16 April- 4 May
11am – 5pm
182 Campbell St. Darlinghurst

Proceeds from the exhibition will benefit Hopestreet - Urban Compassion. For more information on NO HOME: contact Jeffrey Hamilton on (02) 9280 0492, or John William on 0401 351 669.

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PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION: "DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: FORGOTTEN WAR"
April 17 to May 8
Opening on Thursday 17th April, 6.30 pm
L9, 301 George street- No access to the building after 7pm

In 2005, five photographers travelled with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to document the crises of the Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly known as Zaire. "This remarkable photo exhibition sheds light on the suffering of the population of DRC. The Congolese have experienced war, displacement, disease, malnutrition, epidemics, sexual violence... Yet the tragedy of the Congo has remained virtually invisible to the world." The Australian section of Médecins Sans Frontières is proud to bring this international photo exhibition to the Alliance Française de Sydney. A MSF spokesperson, Dr Nicholas Coatsworth, will be here to introduce the exhibition & answer any questions the audience might have.

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SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS HEALTH: NATIONAL CLOSE THE GAP DAY
Tuesday April 22
Across Australia

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people die 17 years younger than other Australians. The Close the Gap campaign is committed to improving such health disparities. Show your support by organising a small-scale event on National Close the Gap Day – April 22. It’s fun and easy to do. Oxfam will supply you with everything you need, from videos to posters to wristbands, to run an event. This could be a morning tea in your workplace, community hall, school, church, or in your home.

Find out more and register at: http://www.oxfam.org.au/events/close-the-gap-day/

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PUBLIC FORUM: CHANGING THE CULTURAL CLIMATE
Thursday 24 April, 5.30pm for 6pm
Metcalfe Auditorium, State Library of New South Wales, Macquarie St, Sydney

Over the last two years, climate change has risen to the top of the agenda in public debate, but what about the cultural change that will surely come with it? Can we compensate for shrinking economies with growing imaginations? Can writers inspire the combination of visionary and pragmatic response called for in a new era of turbulent change? A forum with Robyn Williams AO, writer and science broadcaster; Sara Knox, novelist; Nigel Allan, WWF International (Climate Witness Program); and chaired by novelist Professor Jane Goodall.

Cost: $22, $20 for seniors and $15 for Friends of the State Library and students.
Booking essential: 02 9273 1770
Organised by the Writing and Society Research Group, University of Western Sydney, in association with the State Library

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WILDENDURANCE CHALLENGE: 100KMS IN 48 HOURS
3-4 May
Blue Mountains

The Wilderness Society is excited to announce its inaugural WILDENDURANCE challenge: a new 100km team event to be staged in the stunning Blue Mountains World Heritage area on the weekend of 3/4 May 2008.

Working in teams, participants will challenge their personal limits while raising funds to support The Wilderness Society’s conservation campaigns for a brighter, more secure future.

Teams of 4-6 people will trek on foot together through mountain wilderness, choosing either to complete the entire 100km course together or divide into two relay groups each travelling 50km over 48 hours. The course passes through some of Australia’s most iconic scenery including the world famous Three Sisters and the stunning Jamison valley.

www.wildendurance.org

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FILM PREMIERE - SHARKWATER
Sunday 4th May, 6pm
Hoyts Cinema at Fox Studios, Moore Park

The Nature Conservation Council is proud to invite you to the Australian Red Carpet Premiere of the film Sharkwater, winner of 22 international film awards, and the most important shark conservation movie to date. Sharkwater takes us to fifteen countries and the most shark-rich waters in the world, portraying battles with shark poachers, mafia espionage and gunboat chases. Join us for this unique night with director, shark researcher and star Rob Stewart, for a Q&A after the movie and a spectacular photographic exhibition.

Cost: $25 (popcorn included!) or $40 for limited VIP seats
For tickets: www.nccnsw.org.au or (02) 9279-2466

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PUBLIC FORUM: CONSUMER SOCIETY CANNOT BE MADE SUSTAINABLE
Saturday 10 May, 2pm
Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney

Guest speaker: Dr Ted Trainer, School of Social Work, UNSW

Ted is well known for his advocacy of The Simpler Way, based on frugal living standards, quality of life, local economic self-sufficiency, zero economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Ted argues that there's too much producing and consuming going on. Audience participation will be actively encouraged in an extended open forum.

Entry: Gold coin donation
More information: Gordon Hocking 02 9528 6091, email: geho7@bigpond.com

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ENERGY SECURITY: THE REAL STORY
Tuesday 13 May, 4-6pm
University of Western Sydney,

The critical issue of how to power the future of Australia will be discussed in a series of public forums organised by the Whitlam Institute and the UWS College of Health and Science.

Energy Security: The Real Story will bring together leading Australian and international scientists to showcase the best scientific knowledge about energy now and into the future. The science behind fossil fuels, nuclear and renewable energy will be discussed, as well as how to use this information to make good policy decisions in the years to come.

The monthly forums, which commence on 13 May and continue until September, will include speakers from the CSIRO, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) , UWS and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in the USA.

The full list of speakers and topics is available from http://www.whitlam.org

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SOUTHWEST SYDNEY PROBLEM GAMBLING SUMMIT
Friday 16 May, 11am to 1 pm
Green Valley District Centre, 179-183 Wilson Rd, Green Valley

Speakers include:
Dr John Haw, UWS
Kate Roberts, Gambling Impact Society (NSW)
Rowan Cameron, AHA 'Gamecare' Manager
Echo Morgan, Multicultural Problem Gambling Service

Join us, and be part of the solution. RSVP to Bill Cashman, wcashman@bigpond.net.au , or 0403 139 825, www.gamblingsummit.org

4. HOT WEBSITE TIPS

http://www.keepitlocal.org.au
Campaign website against the proposed NSW planning laws that will take decision-making powers away from local communities and give much more power to developers. More details below under Campaigns.

5. CAMPAIGNS

PUBLIC POWER NOT PRIVATE PROFIT

The anti-privatisation campaign is heading for a climax at the ALP State Conference on 3 May (see events, above). Union leaders and ALP branch members are threatening to roll the Premier and Treasurer, who are brazenly declaring they don’t care. Meanwhile, the government has responded to the Unsworth Committee by accepting some but not all of the recommendations it made as conditions of support (see John Kaye’s report above).

Take action:
* Join the 3 May protest at Darling Harbour at 9:30am, and pick up a Greens corflute as you arrive.
* Send a protest email to members of parliament to keep up the pressure on them – go to www.johnkaye.org.au/eprotest for details.
* Visit your local MP, especially if you are based in regional NSW, to ask them to oppose privatisation.

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KEEP IT LOCAL – PROTECT COMMUNITIES FROM DANGEROUS NEW PLANNING LAWS

The NSW Government is introducing new State pro-Developer Laws that are tipping the balance away from local communities towards developers. The laws will not only drastically reduce funding for services like libraries, parks and playgrounds but also take away your right to have a say in local developments that affect you. The new laws haven’t been approved so NOW is the time to help fight the State’s pro-Developer Laws by emailing your local MP.

Under the new laws, private companies will now be able to approve residential developments. These companies will not need to notify you and your avenues to object will be lost. The first you will know of your neighbour’s major renovation is when the builders arrive at 7am with the jackhammers! Once your sunshine and views are gone it’s too late.

Help tip the balance back in favour of local communities by emailing your local MP here http://www.keepitlocal.org.au

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PROTEST THE CLEAN COAL SELL OUT: CLIMATE GROUPS JOIN COAL INDUSTRY

The World Wildlife Fund Australia and the Climate Institute are joining with the coal industry in a push for government support for so-called "clean coal". Clean coal is a dangerous pipe dream that will delay real action on climate change. Every dollar spent on clean coal is money that could be spent on solar or wind. The groups will join the Australian Coal Association and the mining division of CFMEU on Wednesday to call for more government support for the coal industry. Greenpeace, The Greens and Environment Victoria have all slammed the plan (see
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/green-groups-in-carbon-plan-rift/2008/04/14/1208025091641.html ).

Readers are encouraged to email or phone complaints to the Climate Institute: ( jconnor@climateinstitute.org.au ; (02) 9252 5200 and ask to speak to John Connor) and WWF (http://wwf.org.au/about/contactus/ (02) 9281 5515 and ask to speak to a climate campaigner)

Also send a letter to one of the major papers: letters@smh.com.au ; letters@theaustralian.com.au ; letters@theage.com.au

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OUR RIGHTS AT WORK: JOIN THE EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS NETWORK

The campaign against WorkChoices was one of the main reasons for the defeat of the Howard Government. Yet employers and Coalition MPs are still pressing for continuing WorkChoices provisions in the negotiations for Labor’s industrial relations reforms.

The Employment Rights Network will ensure that workers’ rights and interests are to the fore in industrial relations reform, especially in the course of the substantive IR reform Bill now being drafted.

Add your name and stay in touch by posting your comments at http://www.search.org.au/archives/395 or by emailing pmurphy@search.org.au

6. INQUIRIES AND CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS

HELP SAVE CURRAWONG

The development documents are finally on the Department of Planning's website: http://www.ecovillagecurrawong.com.au/index.htm

The Minister of Planning's panel is holding a public hearing on Wednesday 4 June 2008 (to continue if required). Please make a submission to the Department, in writing or in person, or better still do both. Deadline for submissions and bookings is 23 May 2008.

7. JOB ADVERTISEMENTS AND VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

CANA MEMBER COORDINATOR

Climate Action Network Australia (CANA) is looking for a Member Coordinator. This role is crucial to the effective functioning of the network of 50 NGOs working on climate change and will make a real difference helping member NGOs work together to maximise effectiveness.

This role will take the initiative and work collaboratively with our diverse members. You will keep CANA Members up to date with the latest developments on climate change, liaise on policies and campaigns, and coordinate joint policy development. You will be responsible for updating the CANA website and producing CANA newsletters and other materials.

For a job description including selection criteria see:
http://www.cana.net.au/temporary/CANA_MemberCoordinator_jobdescription_100308.pdf

Applications close 5pm 21st April.

8. CONTACT DETAILS FOR GREENS MPs

Ian Cohen MLC
ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au
www.iancohen.org.au
Ph 9230 2603 Fax 9230 2267

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

Lee Rhiannon MLC
lee.rhiannon@parliament.nsw.gov.au
www.leerhiannon.org.au
Ph 9230 3551 Fax 9230 3550

John Kaye MLC
John.Kaye@parliament.nsw.gov.au
www.johnkaye.org.au
Ph 9230 2668 Fax 9230 2586

Senator Kerry Nettle
senator.nettle@aph.gov.au
www.kerrynettle.org.au
Sydney Office Ph 9690 2038 Fax 9690 2041
Canberra Office Ph 6277 3501 Fax 6277 5716

9. SUBMITTING ITEMS FOR E-BRIEF

We welcome your items for e-brief – please email justin.whelan@parliament.nsw.gov.au with no more than 100 words in plain text about your event or campaign (please see existing items for format).

CONTACT THE GREENS NSW
http://www.nsw.greens.org.au
office@nsw.greens.org.au

Ph (02) 9519 0877
Fax (02) 9519 2177

19 EVE ST, ERSKINEVILLE NSW 2043
PO Box 1220, SYDNEY NSW 2001

If you do not wish to be on the Greens NSW Mailing List reply to this message with a request to be removed from the list.