Archive for the 'Elections' Category
Monday, March 16th, 2015
Following the ballot draw last week and the absence of any progressive small party or independent candidates, The Greens in Monaro, comprising the Braidwood and Queanbeyan-Monaro Greens local groups, have determined that, after a recommendation for voters to vote 1 Green in the March 28 State Election, voters number the ballot paper 2 ALP, 3 Nationals, 4 No Land Tax and 5 CDP.
This decision has been made independently by The Greens in Monaro, following the distribution of a questionnaire to John Barilaro, sitting National Party member, and Steve Whan, ALP candidate.
Unfortunately and despite follow-up attempts, no response was received from the office of John Barilaro, but even so, it has not been an entirely straightforward decision, as some of the ALP responses continue to differ widely from the policies and priorities of The Greens and Green voters. (more…)
Posted in Democracy, Community, Woodchipping & forests, Climate change, Local Government, Elections, Social justice, Ecological Sustainability, Peace, nonviolence & disarmament, Palerang Council, Renewable energy, Mining, Preferences | No Comments »
Sunday, September 1st, 2013
Voters face a serious choice on September 7 and the choice they make will determine the direction this country follows, not just for the next three years but for a long time after, says Greens candidate for Eden-Monaro Catherine Moore.
“On the one hand we have an Opposition that has set itself up to take control, but whose policies are largely unknown and whose actions are all about making the rich richer. It is an Opposition that denies the need to act decisively on climate change and perpetuates fear and loathing of some of the most vulnerable people, including asylum seekers,” says Catherine.
“On the other hand we have government that seems to be trying to match the Opposition’s position in a number of areas, including refugees, and that also lacks the courage to ask the wealthiest to pay a fairer share.
“Both are determined to hold onto power at any cost, and have lost sight of the need to make decisions for the greater good of the whole community, into the future.
“But it doesn’t have to be simply an “either… or” situation. (more…)
Posted in Democracy, Doing politics differently, Community, Woodchipping & forests, Climate change, Elections, Social justice, Renewable energy, Health, Mining, Eden-Monaro 2013, Oceans, Asylum seekers, National Parks | No Comments »
Monday, August 19th, 2013
Following the close of nominations and ballot paper draw, The Greens are making the following recommendations on our how-to-vote leaflet being distributed at pre-polling and on Election Day, September 7.
The order reflects the priorities of each of the parties/candidates compared with our own, and we have based our decision on the policies and/or statements of each of the candidates. Of course in the end it is up to the voter to decide, but remember to number all the squares so your vote is formal.
A statement on the principle of our decision in regard to the ALP and Coalition can be found here:
braidwood.nsw.greens.org.au/2013/08/10/greens-preference-decision/
6 HENDY, Peter (Liberal)
2 TYE, Martin (Stable Population Party)
3 Kelly, Mike (Labor)
4 LYNCH, Dean (Palmer United Party)
1 MOORE, Catherine (The Greens)
7 GOUMAS, Costas (Citizens Electoral Council)
5 THALER, Andrew (Independent)
8 CATTON, Warren (Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group))
Posted in Democracy, Elections, Eden-Monaro 2013, Preferences | 2 Comments »
Saturday, August 10th, 2013
The Greens in Eden-Monaro have decided ahead of the final list of candidates to announce our preference recommendation decision. We have taken this course of action to end the speculation about this issue and allow us to get on with the important task of campaigning on real issues.
The four groups in Eden-Monaro have determined that, after a recommendation for voters to vote 1 Green, they number the ballot paper in favour of any like-minded independents. We will also be suggesting they number the ALP ahead of the Liberal Party candidate, but the final order of all other candidates will not be determined until after the draw, according to our usual practice.
The decision has been made independently by the four groups, based on an assessment of the current political situation. It has not been a straightforward decision, with Green voter opinions polarised. Some people say they will not vote Green unless we preference the ALP, others say they will not vote Green if we do. None of them wants to see us suggest a recommendation for the Liberal Party. Many Greens would prefer that we do not recommend a preference to anyone, so that the voter makes their own decision, and while many of us support this, we also acknowledge that we do not want to risk an Abbott-led Coalition government if there is a likelihood of informal votes resulting from that.
The rationale for our decision is based on the following:
- The Coalition’s ongoing refusal to act on climate change, beginning in 1996 at the start of the Howard era. This has set us back decades, especially now that the impacts of climate change have accelerated. Despite this, members of the current Coalition are still in denial.
- The Greens’ support for the National Broadband Network, particularly in relation to the benefits that will be felt in many rural and regional parts of Eden-Monaro.
- Introduction by the ALP of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
- The Coalition’s regressive tax proposals.
- WorkChoices, and the Liberal candidate’s involvement in its development and implementation during the Howard era.
- While we acknowledge that the ALP has shown itself to be at least as bad as the Coalition on the issue of asylum seekers, we also acknowledge that it was the Howard government who first created the climate of “fear and loathing” around some of the world’s most vulnerable people. It was also the Howard Government which took us to war with Iraq, which helped to create many of the problems we are now seeing and which are causing people to flee in the first place.
We would reiterate that as always, it is up to voters to make up their own minds, and numbering all squares on the small ballot paper will ensure that they cast a formal vote.
Posted in Democracy, Climate change, Industrial Relations, Elections, Social justice, Economics, Eden-Monaro 2013, Preferences | No Comments »
Thursday, August 1st, 2013
Our comprehensive election platform “Standing up for what matters” has been fully costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office and makes The Greens the obvious choice for all who want to see a change of focus in politics. If implemented, it would ensure a healthy, just and sustainable future for the people of Eden-Monaro.
Simple measures like a 0.2% levy on bank assets above $100 billion, the abolition of fossil fuel subsidies, an effective mining tax and 50% tax on all incomes in excess of $1,000,000 would raise $42.7 billion.
There is an urgent need to act on climate change. If we don’t, there is every likelihood we will see an end to snow this century, and farming will be even more difficult than it is now. The Greens want a swift transition to renewable energy, for which there is huge potential here, and which would create thousands of jobs. Imagine if Eden-Monaro became home to Australia’s first solar thermal energy plant!
Farmers are essential to our country’s future prosperity and a sustainable economy. We propose actions to strengthen the viability of farming and farming communities, and increase support for small business and local employment in general. (more…)
Posted in Water, Community, Climate change, Elections, Social justice, Ecological Sustainability, Health, Education, Mining, Economics, Eden-Monaro 2013, Asylum seekers, National Parks | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 17th, 2013
In the wake of the launch of The Australian Greens’ policy platform “Standing up for what matters”, Greens candidate for Eden-Monaro Catherine Moore says that The Greens are the obvious party of choice for all those who want to see a change of focus in politics, and positive and meaningful proposals to take us into the future.
“If they were implemented, the policy initiatives that we have released for this election would ensure a healthy, just and sustainable future for the people of Eden-Monaro.
“By introducing simple measures like a 0.2% levy on bank assets in excess of $100 billion, the abolition of tax-payer funded fossil fuel subsidies, an effective mining tax and 50% tax on incomes in excess of $1,000,000, we could raise $42.7 billion over three years.
“These funds could then be directed into social and environmental policy actions that benefited all Australians. (more…)
Posted in Media releases, Democracy, Doing politics differently, Climate change, Local Government, Elections, Social justice, Ecological Sustainability, Renewable energy, Health, Education, Mining, Economics, Eden-Monaro 2013, Asylum seekers | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 26th, 2013
Only the Greens stand in the way of Tony Abbott gaining absolute power of the parliament, Australian Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said in Canberra today.
“I’m here today with all of the Greens’ lead candidates to deliver the strong message that a vote for the Greens is a vote against Tony Abbott controlling the parliament.
“The last time the Coalition controlled both houses of parliament we ended up with Work Choices.
“If the current polls hold up then we could see an Abbott controlled Senate or one where extreme conservatives hold the balance of power.
“We are in real danger of Tony Abbott gaining control of the Senate which is why it’s so important for voters to return Scott Ludlam in Western Australian, Sarah Hanson-Young in South Australia and Peter Whish-Wilson in Tasmania.
“We also need to return Adam Bandt in the seat of Melbourne as a strong voice in the House of Representatives for the Greens.
“We have outstanding candidates in all our other seats, who show talent, passion and care for Australia’s future: Cate Faehrmann in New South Wales, Simon Sheikh in the ACT, Janet Rice in Victoria, Adam Stone in Queensland and Warren H. Williams in the Territory.
“We’ve completed our Senate team today with the announcement of well-known musician Warren H. Williams as our Northern Territory Senate candidate and welcome him to our team.
“Warren grew up in the Territory and has spent a lot of time working closely with local communities standing up for Aboriginal rights and fighting to protect the environment and caring for people. He understands the challenges the NT faces and the issues that matter to Northern Territory voters,” Senator Milne said.
Posted in Media releases, Democracy, Community, Elections, Social justice, Ecological Sustainability, Indigenous | No Comments »
Sunday, May 12th, 2013
The Greens in Eden-Monaro have welcomed the announcement confirming that the referendum on recognition of local government in Australia’s Constitution will be held in conjunction with the 2013 Federal Election, but they are urging communities and councils to start campaigning immediately to maximise support for a “yes” vote.
“The announcement of the referendum to recognise local government in the Constitution has slipped through with barely a murmur, and with only four months to go until the September election, there is not a lot of time to engage communities and councils in the campaign,” says Catherine Moore, Greens candidate for Eden-Monaro and former Palerang councillor.
“Local government is the sphere of democracy that is closest to the people, and has the opportunity to do a much better job if its future is secured through Constitutional recognition. Currently its survival is at the whim of State Governments, which have been passing on more and more responsibility to councils but not matching the increased burden with funding.
“Strengthening local government with recognition and adequate funding will allow councils to get on with providing the services and facilities that people expect,” says Catherine.
“It is not acceptable that councils have to reduce swimming pool and library opening hours, for example, or cut funding to surf life saving, or cease membership of groups like Southern Tablelands Arts, or say no to community group requests for financial support. (more…)
Posted in Media releases, Democracy, Community, Local Government, Elections, Palerang Council, Economics, Eden-Monaro 2013 | No Comments »
Friday, April 26th, 2013
Greens spokesperson on women Senator Lee Rhiannon has questioned whether women can trust opposition leader Tony Abbott’s promise today that he will heed the advice of technical experts on abortion drugs and has called on him to definitively declare his position on women’s right to access the full range of reproductive health procedures.
“Abbott’s assurance that he will accept the advice of technical experts cannot be trusted if you look at his history during the Howard years,” Senator Rhiannon said.
“As Health Minister in 2005 Mr Abbott relied on limited advice from the Chief Health Officer on whether to lift the ban on RU486.
“Mr Abbott was criticised by the AMA’s rural taskforce and the Rural Doctor’s Association of Australia for failing to consult with them. He instead took the Chief Health Officer’s advice that rural and regional health services and GPs were not equipped to provide medical abortion.
“Women living in regional and rural areas have been disadvantaged ever since.
“The attitude of the Opposition leader to women’s rights is shaping up as issue of public interest in the coming election campaign. (more…)
Posted in Media releases, Elections, Social justice, Openness & accountability, Health, Justice, Women | No Comments »
Sunday, April 7th, 2013
The first candidates forum for the 2013 Eden-Monaro campaign will take place this Saturday April 13 at 1pm in the National Theatre.
View the poster for the event by clicking on the link below. (more…)
Posted in Events, Democracy, Community, Elections, Images, Eden-Monaro 2013 | No Comments »