GREENS E-BRIEF 204
Thursday 1 May 2008
This E-Brief contains information about the activities of NSW Greens MPs. It also contains events happening over the next month. If you do not wish to continue receiving e-briefs, please reply with "E-BRIEF UNSUBSCRIBE" as the subject. If anyone you know would like to receive this email please suggest they send in their email address with 'SUBSCRIBE' in the subject line.
IN THIS E-BRIEF
1. From the Offices of Greens MPs in NSW
2. Coming events involving Greens
6. Contact details for Greens MPs
7. 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)
IAN COHEN MLC
www.iancohen.org.au
ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Ian is currently facing allegations of assault in Byron Bay. He strenuously denies these charges and will be working hard to prove his innocence when the matter comes to court. Given that the matter is now before the court, he is currently unable to make any further comment. Ian is looking forward to putting this matter behind him and pouring all his efforts into a number of important Greens’ campaigns such as GM Crops and Container Deposit Legislation.
HUNTER’S HILL RADIOACTIVE WASTE CONTAMINATION INQUIRY
In 2004, Ian chaired an inquiry into the Transportation and Storage of Nuclear Waste. One of the key recommendations of that report was that the then Department of Environment and Conservation should complete an inventory of non-ANSTO storage sites as a matter of urgency. The Department of Environment and Climate Change has compiled the list but has failed to interact with other departments such as Health to start appropriate remediation and containment of radioactive materials and waste. Ian will be aiming to introduce a motion to refer the matter to a committee to investigate government efforts to monitor the danger to public health posed by contaminated sites.
STATE GREENS UNITE ON BEVERAGE CONTAINER DEPOSIT FRONT
Ian is working closely with Deb Foskey (ACT), Colleen Hartland (VIC), Paul Llewellyn (WA) and Nick McKim (TAS) to engineer a unified State Greens’ drive to implement State based Container Deposit Schemes. If a national Container Deposit Scheme does not go ahead in light of strong evidence supporting the scheme, State based Greens will use CDL significantly modelled on the NSW legislation to lobby State governments. To help the push for Container Deposit Scheme in NSW and move towards a zero waste society please download and distribute the CDL Petition available at http://www.iancohen.org.au/resource.aspx?id=24
PEACE BOAT AND SYDNEY PEACE FOUNDATION
On 15-16 April Ian joined the Peace Boat and delivered a summation at the closing of the ‘Iraq: Never Again conference. The Peace Boat is a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organisation that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment.
SYLVIA HALE MLC
www.sylviahale.org.ausylvia.hale@parliament.nsw.gov.au
PUBLIC INQUIRY NEEDED INTO PLANNING LAWS
When parliament resumes next week I will be pushing for a public inquiry into the implications of the government’s proposed changes to the planning laws. The draft Bill contains major changes to property rights, approval processes, appeals, council powers and community participation. It comes at the urging of the property development industry. Copies of the Greens submission on the Bill and a detailed analysis of its provisions can be downloaded at : http://www.sylvia.nsw.greens.org.au/modules.php?op=modload&name=PagEd&file=index&topic_id=23&page_id=299&tabno=1
ULTIMO/GLEBE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT - ABOUT TIME!
The inner Sydney affordable housing project announced this week, to be built on an existing Housing NSW site and on a council-owned depot, is the first positive sign we have seen in this area. It sounds like an excellent project. This is exactly the type of affordable housing the Greens have been saying that we need in high-housing-cost areas - mixed income housing, workers being able to live near where they work, close to public transport, and a mix of tenants on statutory incomes and those on wages. The Greens will, however, be looking out for the interests of the social housing tenants to make sure they are rehoused. We will also insist that there is no net loss of social housing dwellings and that green design features are incorporated in the buildings.
CONSUMER TRADING AND TENANCY TRIBUNAL BILL: A WASTED OPPORTUNITY
The Greens know that many people are dissatisfied with the way in which the CTTT operates. The Government is improving the operations of the Tribunal, but this Bill is very minimal, although there is some attempt to improve the qualifications and performance of Tribunal members. The Bill also proposes a new division for social housing tenancy matters. The Greens oppose this, as does the Tenants Union. This is yet another attempt to marginalise social housing from the mainstream by creating a 'special' division and we won't support it. The Greens are seeking advice from consumer groups and will be seeking to amend the Bill.
A copy of the Bill can be found at:
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/nswbills.nsf/131a07fa4b8a041cca256e610012de17/31ccfb8993ec8ecaca257427001c0750!OpenDocument
JOHN KAYE MLC
www.johnkaye.org.au
john.kaye@parliament.nsw.gov.au
KOGARAH COUNCIL SHAMES IEMMA GOVERNMENT ON FATS BAN
Moves by a Sydney council to ban the use of synthetic trans-fatty acids (trans fats) in new food outlets highlights the failure of the Iemma government to protect the health of NSW residents. Medical studies dating back to 1990 have consistently shown that trans fats are a key player in the epidemic of heart diseases. John will introduce a Bill aiming to ban their use in foods.
http://www.johnkaye.org.au/media/kogarah-council-shames-iemma-government-on-fats-ban/
http://stgeorge.yourguide.com.au/articles/1234546.html
RALLY TELLS IEMMA TO DUMP ELECTRICITY SELL-OFF
Community members held a no sell-off protest meeting outside NSW Labor power broker and MP for Maroubra Michael Daley's office. John told the rally that Premier Morris Iemma and his Treasurer Michael Costa have led their government to the brink of disaster and are wasting taxpayers money on preparing for a privatisation that might never happen.
http://www.johnkaye.org.au/media/rally-tells-iemma-to-dump-electricity-sell-off
http://news.smh.com.au/dump-power-selloff-greens-tell-iemma/20080426-28pv.html
SUCCESSFUL YOUTH MENTORING PROGRAM SAVED FROM AXE TO BE KEPT ALIVE ON DRIP FEED
The highly effective 'Plan-It Youth' which provides volunteer mentors for students who are at risk of dropping out of school was at risk of having its funding cut by the Iemma government at the end of June. John estimated that it costs less than $1 million per year. After being exposed in the media, the NSW Education Minister John Della Bosca promised another year’s funding. While this is good news, it prolongs the uncertainty for students and mentors.
http://www.johnkaye.org.au/media/della-keeps-youth-support-program-alive-on-drip-feed
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/words-from-the-wise-could-be-silenced/2008/04/20/1208629731292.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/22/2223589.htm
SYDNEY'S DESAL POLLUTION SAGA RISKS BOTANY BAY MARINE FUTURE
After three days of persistent silt spillages from the first stage of the construction of the Kurnell desalination water pipeline across Botany Bay, John called for Water Minister Nathan Rees to put an immediate hold on work until he could guarantee the ecological future of Sydney's largest waterway. More than one and half centuries of dumping industrial waste into the Bay and its tributaries has resulted in a massive accumulation of heavy metals and dangerous organic compounds that will be disturbed by construction.
http://www.johnkaye.org.au/media/sydneys-desal-pollution-saga-risks-botany-bay-marine-future
http://stgeorge.yourguide.com.au/news/local/general/liasion-officer-for-desal-works/1231247.html
KERRY NETTLE
www.kerrynettle.org.au
www.leerhiannon.org.au
lee.rhiannon@parliament.nsw.gov.au
CLIMATE CHANGE ARRESTS
I congratulated the 16 climate change activists arrested at the Newcastle coal terminal construction site. This was a brilliant creative action timed to coincide with the 2020 summit. The third terminal alone would increase Newcastle coal exports – already the highest in the world – by 66 million tonnes per annum, producing an extra 160 million tonnes of greenhouse pollution. http://lee.greens.org.au/index.php/content/view/2516/50
PEAK OIL RESPONSE PLAN
Next week in parliament I will introduce the Greens Peak Oil Response Plan Bill. The Bill would set up a Taskforce to determine how NSW should manage peak oil and establish a moratorium on all large oil-based infrastructure projects while the Taskforce undertakes its work. Failure to plan for the impacts of peak oil will result in skyrocketing petrol prices, higher food prices, disruptions to financial markets and the heightening of existing social inequities. http://lee.greens.org.au/index.php/content/view/2508/50
MORE DONATION BREAKTHROUGHS
The Australian Hotels Association (NSW) has decided to stop political donations. This is a significant decision as the AHA donated nearly $5m to NSW Labor over the last eight years.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/pubs-turn-off-the-political-donations-tap/2008/04/24/1208743154202.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/25/2227492.htm
http://livenews.com.au/Articles/2008/04/25/Hotels_lobby_freezes_NSW_political_donations
ANTI-HOMOPHOBIA PROGRAMS
When NSW Education Department head Michael Coutts-Trotter spoke recently in support of anti-homophobia measures in schools I called on the government to remove loopholes that still allow gay and lesbian teachers and students to be discriminated against in private schools. Fine statements need to be followed up by actions.
http://lee.greens.org.au/index.php/content/view/2510/50/
ASBESTOS WARNING
After receiving information from the Nimbin Environment Centre about the use of asbestos on Baryulgil roads I raised the matter with the NSW Environment Minister Verity Firth. In this case she gave a quick response, advising that NSW Health are following up on this issue. We will keep you advised.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/18/2220918.htm
http://lee.greens.org.au/index.php/content/view/2514/50/
RTA SPIN
The bankruptcy of the NSW government's transport policies was again on show last week when the RTA's spin that the Victoria Road upgrade would benefit bus users was exposed.
http://lee.greens.org.au/index.php/content/view/2517/50
http://www.innerwestweekly.com.au/article/2008/04/23/2259_news.html
We are continuing to battle with Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal over his refusal to publicly release to Leichhardt Council traffic modelling for the Victoria Road Upgrade. http://lee.greens.org.au/index.php/content/view/2515/50
2. COMING EVENTS INVOLVING GREENS
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: www.byronballinagreens.org
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POLITICS IN THE PUB: NEW GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES - FOOD, OIL, WATER!
Friday 2 May, 6pm
Level 1, The Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire St., Surry Hills
Will the corporate world’s response to climate change and peak oil drive the world’s poor to greater hunger? How can we ensure we produce food before fuel?
Speakers:
David Shoebridge, Woollahra Councillor, Greens NSW.
Dr Diarmuid Maguire, Government and International Relations, Sydney University
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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. Greens members and supporters are encouraged to attend and send a strong message against the sell-off. Meet under the Greens banner.
Speakers:
Andrew Ferguson - CFMEU NSW State Secretary
John Kaye – Greens NSW
Randa Abdel-Fatteh - Palestinian Community
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NEWCASTLE FORUM: SAVING DEMOCRACY FROM DIRTY DONATIONS
Monday 5 May, 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Trades Hall Council Meeting room,
(opposite Panthers Club)
2nd floor, Devonshire house
408 King St, Newcastle West
In the lead up to the 2007 state election Hunter developers donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Labor and the Coalition parties. Many of these companies have since made millions of dollars profit as a result of favourable planning approvals. Corporate money should play no role in the democratic process. In New Zealand corporate political donations have been banned. In Australia the Greens are campaigning to end the corporate influence over political parties and the planning process.
Speakers
Sue Bradford, Greens New Zealand MP
James Ryan, Cessnock Greens councillor
Michael Osborne, Newcastle Greens councillor
David Shoebridge, Woollahra Greens councillor
Chaired by Greens MP Lee Rhiannon
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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 the NZ parliament Sue was a high profile activist against New Right social and economic government reforms, worked for community organisations and 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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RIVERS SOS FILM LAUNCH: Rivers of Shame
12:45pm for 1pm
Thursday 8th May 2008
Parliament House Theatrette, Macquarie St Sydney
Speakers include:
- Lee Rhiannon, Greens MLC
- Pru Goward, Shadow Minister for the Environment
- Phil Costa, Labor Member for Wollondilly.
The sequel to the very successful 2006 film Rivers of Shame further highlights the impact of mining on rivers in NSW, as well as focussing on swamps, springs, soaks and aquifers. Hear from forty community groups, farmers, grape growers, graziers and horse breeders currently lobbying the government about the mining damages to water supplies. The film runs for 30 mins followed by a discussion session.
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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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THE SYDNEY DEMOCRACY FORUM - “RELIGION: FRIEND OR ENEMY OF DEMOCRACY?”
Friday 23 May
3:00 – 5:00pm
Refectory Room H113
Quadrangle Building A14
University of Sydney
Speakers:
Dr. Geoffrey Levey, University of NSW
Shakira Hussain, Australian National University
Dr. John Kaye, Greens MLC
Topic: In defiance of the secularism thesis, which predicted the increasing withdrawal of religion from the public sphere, in recent years the public role of religion has been radically enlarged. This seminar will consider the relationship between religions and democracy from a number of religious and secular perspectives. Speakers will reflect on whether we need to reconceptualise and reinstitutionalise democracy in a ‘post-secular’ form, or whether the interests of democracy lie in once again cordoning religion off from the private sphere
We invite you to join us for drinks after the presentation. Please RSVP to c.tapper@usyd.edu.au either by email or telephone by Friday 16 May.
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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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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.
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.
For more information, see www.wildendurance.org
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WALK IN STRICKLAND STATE FOREST
Sunday 4 May
9.45 am start. 4pm Finish.
From Banksia car park, Strickland State Forest near Gosford
Strickland State Forest displays one of the finest examples of the transition from dry to wet sclerophyll to rainforest in the greater Sydney area. The biodiversity of this forest is remarkable and it is now classified as a flora reserve. A portion of the forest contains an arboretum with 130-year-old plantings of giant timber trees. The tall trees on fertile soil set within a steep escarpment setting provide many photo opportunities. The pace will be relaxed and slow to allow the full beauty of this forest to be appreciated.
Contact: Andrew Little (aalittle@optusnet.com.au, 9924 7212 after 7.30 pm). More details at www.step.org.au
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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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FORUM: TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS: ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR WHOM?
6 May
9.15 am to 3.15 pm.
Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Chris Evans MP will present the keynote address. Other contributors will include leading academics Bob Kinnaird and Dr Bob Birrell, as well as business, trade union and community leaders. This forum promises a wide-ranging and topical discussion of issues around our temporary foreign labour programs, and is timely in light of the federal government’s announcement about it’s inquiry into the 457 visa program.
RSVP and further info Jo-anne Schofield at Catalyst Australia 9264 1134 or jschofield@catalyst.asn.au
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CITIZEN WRITES
Thursday 8th May to Thursday 29th May 2008
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney
Cost: Nil. Registration is essential. Hosted by Education Section of NSW Parliament House.
Over four sessions, learn about our system of government and how citizens can participate more effectively in our democracy. The course will be held at the NSW Parliament and will include guest speakers and a tour of the parliament. Topics to be explored include Government in NSW; the role of members and committees, the media and other watchdogs and communicating effectively with elected representatives.
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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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BOOKLAUNCH: RESISTANCE – A CHILDHOOD FIGHTING FOR EAST TIMOR
Tuesday 13 May
6:30 for 7pm
Gleebooks
An autobiography by Naldo Rei, who was just six months old when Indonesia invaded East Timor in December 1975. He spent the first three years of his life in the jungle, where his family had fled for safety. Throughout his teenage years, Naldo was imprisoned and tortured regularly for his covert opposition to the brutal Indonesian regime. Eventually, in too much danger to remain in his homeland, he escaped to Indonesia and then Australia for several years. Launched by Estanislau da Silva, former (acting) Prime Minister of East Timor.
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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
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CAMP FOR CLIMATE ACTION
July 10-15
Newcastle
The camp for climate action will be 6 days of inspiring workshops & direct action aimed a shutting down the world's largest coal port in Newcastle, just north of Sydney. If you are concerned about climate change, and want real action instead of more hot air, then we encourage you to come, bring your friends and family and get involved. Whether you are old or young, a seasoned protestor or if you've never been to a protest in your life, if you share our passion for climate action, then climate camp is for you! See http://www.climatecamp.org.au/ for more details.
4. HOT WEBSITE TIPS
www.cpd.org.au
A public interest think tank dedicated to promoting alternative voices in Australia's public debate.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FUND PETITION
5. CAMPAIGNS
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
6. 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
7. 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
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