The decision by the ALP to abandon its three mines policy is morally reprehensible, and will leave the huge number of Australians who recognise the danger of uranium feeling very disappointed in the new leadership of the party, says Catherine Moore, who was Greens candidate for Monaro in the recent State Election and is a councillor on Palerang Council.

“The ALP had the perfect opportunity to differentiate itself from the Coalition by coming out strongly against uranium, but instead it has chosen to open the way for a plethora of new mines.

“Apparently the ALP says that it won’t support nuclear power, just the mining and export of uranium.  This shows that all the party is interested in is supporting big business and mining jobs.  Is the ALP also going to support a nuclear waste dump in Australia?  Because it cannot on the one hand support the mining and export of this dangerous material and on the other, refuse to accept responsibility for the waste,” says Catherine.

“It is all very well to have a strong economy, but what is the point if we have poisoned the planet and all who inhabit in the process? (more…)

Climate change is not just another political issue to kick around and to grandstand on. It is the greatest threat to humanity today and deserves serious attention, Australian Greens’ energy spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne said in Sydney today.

“It is demeaning for all Australians to watch their government pretend that a desperate and blatant case of wedge politics is an attempt to address climate change.

“It is equally demeaning to see Labor claim fresh thinking when what we are witnessing is hypocrisy writ large. (more…)

Greens NSW MP and energy spokesperson John Kaye today called on Premier Iemma to work with the Greens to strengthen the laws to stop nuclear power generation and uranium enrichment in NSW.

Dr Kaye said: “If the NSW Labor government is serious about stopping the proliferation of nuclear reactors along NSW’s coast line, then they will work with us to pass stronger laws that can withstand John Howard’s push for a  nuclear future.

“Labor and the Greens together have the numbers to pass good legislation through the Upper House. The Premier has no excuse. (more…)

Australian Greens energy spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne, will today join community, environment, peace and union groups calling on the ALP not to dump the party’s long standing and principled commitment to no new uranium mines.
Senator Milne will point out that Fresh Thinking means repudiating Howard’s profits-before-principle approach, and his government’s dangerous nuclear agenda.
WHERE: Darling Harbour Convention Centre, front entrance.
WHEN: 12.OO PM.

“Far too many workers in Australia die from workplace-related injuries and diseases,” said Greens industrial relations spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert today.

“More than 2000 Australians die from work-place related injuries or disease each year. These statistics are alarming — this is more than the number who die on our roads.”

“Today’s International Day of Mourning is a day to remember colleagues, friends and family who have died from work-place incidents, and to reflect on how as a society we can work together to prevent such deaths.” (more…)

Greenhouse emissions from the national energy sector are soaring and Australia will fail to meet its Kyoto target according to the latest findings of The Climate Institute.  Australian Greens climate change spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne, says it’s a damning indictment of the Howard Government’s policy failure.

“This Government has ignorantly and arrogantly wasted an entire decade. Each year the warning light flashes brighter and the alarm rings louder - yet after eleven years the Prime Minister continues to assure us that there is nothing to worry about.  He could not be more wrong.
“The Climate Institute has found that our energy consumption emissions have increased by 22.5 million tonnes since 2004, with the burning of coal, oil and gas the main contributors. (more…)

“How many times do we have to prove that a pipeline from the Kimberley is economically stupid and environmentally disastrous?” said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

“Paul Omodei’s latest pipedream is little different to the ‘Far Canal’ proposal that proved so disastrous for the Liberals at the last state election, or the handful of other ‘visionary’ populist proposals cooked up in an economic and ecological vacuum,” she said. (more…)

“It looks like a compound fracture”, said NSW Greens MP and environment spokesman Ian Cohen today, in response to news confirming the looming casualty of ALP three mines nuclear policy.

“We didn’t even need to remove the cover from our policy crystal ball this morning to see that the environment and nuclear non-proliferation were going to be casualties at this weekend’s ALP conference.

“One week ago I challenged high profile ALP nuclear dissenters to vote with their feet on this issue. I renew that challenge today.

“If you believe there is no solution to radioactive waste; if you believe there is a strong link between the mining and export of uranium, nuclear power and nuclear weapon proliferation, then don’t waste time on Kevin Rudd’s nuclear vaudeville, come over to the Green side of politics”, said Mr Cohen.

“Rather than inventing a new system, the Australian Greens would restore and update the powers of the Australian Industry Relations Commission (AIRC),” said Greens IR spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert today.

“The AIRC has served our nation well for decades.  The quickest way to get our industrial relations system back on its feet and serving the interests of Australian workers is simply to reinstate the powers of the AIRC.” (more…)