NEWS AND VIEWS OF MELBOURNE CITY CR. DAVID RISSTROM: VICTORIAN GREENS LEAD SENATE CANDIDATE APRIL TO JUNE 2004

WITH COMMENTS BY ROSA RISSTROM: MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL POLICY WATCHDOG AND CHAIRDOG OF THE SENATE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

David Risstrom and Rosa, the Greens' Melbourne City Council Policy Watchdog and Chairdog of the Senate Oversight Committee, keep a watching brief on news, ideas, issues and policies. If there are issues you think need to be discussed, please contact David at david@davidrisstrom.org or Rosa at rosa@davidrisstrom.org. David last updated this site on 30 June 2004.

29 JUNE 2004

TARIQ ALI PUBLIC MEETING AT MELBOURNE TOWN HALL

Tariq Ali attracted a crown of approximately 2300 at Melbourne Town Hall last night, providing greatly needed acidity to the debate on Australia's involvement in the War on Iraq. The human tragedy caused by a war generated to support a cheap oil addiction is something that is sitting less comfortably with more and more Australians. I personally hope the backlash is felt at the ballot box, which appear is one of the few places that conservative Liberal and Labor politicians remain sensitive

GREENS WELCOME US SUPREME COURT CHALLENGE

The following message was forwarded from Senator Bob Brown following publication of the US Supreme Court decision to allow Guantanamo Bay prisoners to challenge their detention in the US courts.

The US Supreme Court decision to allow Guantanamo Bay prisoners to challenge their detention in the US courts has been welcomed by the Australian Greens.

"This is a measure of Prime Minister Howard's failure to insist on due process for the Australians David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib," Senator Bob Brown said today.

"The Prime Minister has dismissed previous calls for the men to have access to domestic courts.

"Unlike the Australian government, the British Attorney-General Lord Goldsmith has condemned the military commission process as failing to guarantee basic legal principles.

"Mr Howard must now insist that the Hicks and Habib be returned to face Australian courts."

28 JUNE 2004

LAWYER HANNAH ROBERT SET TO FLY IN KINGSFORD SMITH GREEN CHALLENGE AGAINST PETER GARRETT

Green lawyer, Hannah Robert has been endorsed as the candidate for Kingsford Smith in what will now be a closely watched campaign. Hannah, a 28 year old Clovelly resident said to the Sunday Telegraph that she was excited by the prospect of challenging Mr Garrett on local environmental issues, with the proposed expansion of Port Botany being one of the critical issues in the election.

FORMER GREENS SENATE CANDIDATE PETER SINGER NAMED AUSTRALIAN HUMANIST OF THE YEAR

Well known ethicist Peter Singer and former Greens Senate candidate Peter Singer has been named as the 2004 Australian Humanist of the Year. The Humanist Society of Victoria is holding a presentation dinner for Peter at Dallas Brooks Centre, 300 Albert Street, East Melbourne, on Wednesday 21 July at 6.45 for 7 p.m. (Melway map ref. 2G C1.) The price for the three-course vegetarian meal is $38 per head, with bar service available at extra cost. The award will be presented by Professor Alan Trounson, who was Australian Humanist of the Year 2003. Professor Singer will respond with an address. Further booking details can be found at the Victorian Humanist Society website by clicking on the title.

27 JUNE 2004

TARIQ ALI VICTORIAN PEACE NETWORK DINNER

I enjoyed an excellent dinner with friends and comrades this evening with Tariq Ali at the Lebanese House organised by the Victorian Peace Network. Tariq Ali will be speaking at the Melbourne Town Hall tomorrow night (Monday 28 June) at 7:30 pm. For those without tickets, they are available for $15 and $8 at the door. Tariq will speak on Bush, Babylon and Beyond.

 

GREENS SAY LABOR, LIBERAL MUST MOVE ON BROAD RANGE OF ISSUES

The following media release was forwarded the Greens National Council meeting in Brisbane.

The Australian Greens say that both Labor and the Coalition are a long way from attracting Greens voters' preferences on a broad range of issues.

The Greens are holding a National Council meeting in Brisbane.

"Both the old parties are traveling badly for voters who think there is much more to nation-building than pre-election handouts," Greens Senator Bob Brown said today.

"We will be judging both parties on litmus-test issues where their policies are yet to be announced. These include:
- Saving Tasmania's iconic forests and wildlife;
- Increased funding for public health, education and housing;
- Abolition of the Private Health Insurance Rebate to fund public health;
- Removing the 10% GST on public transport; and,
- A just settlement on East Timor's oil and gas reserves.

"We are assessing all policies and, in recent weeks, have seen both parties lining up to slam an extra 21% on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme scripts for families, and to legislate against same-sex marriages, and vote for the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

"We are assessing the parties' announced or unfolding policies compared to the Greens' aim for:
- The Kyoto Protocol and need to increase the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target to 10% by 2010 and to 20% by 2020;
- 3,000 gigalitres per annum to be returned to the Murray-Darling;
- Abolition of the Higher Education Contribution Scheme;
- Bringing Australia's troops home from Iraq; and,
- An end to mandatory detention of asylum seekers.

"On forests, the Greens' policy is protection of all Australia's remaining old growth forests and their wildlife. The litmus test is the immediate protection of Tasmania's iconic forests, including the Tarkine forests, Styx River 'Valley of the Giants', and the Blue Tier.

"We will be releasing a raft of new policies in the run to the election and evaluating the Labor and Liberal policies when it comes to deciding whether to direct preferences in House of Representatives seats across the nation," Senator Brown said.

"That decision is made by electorate groups at the local level who will also be assessing local and regional issues. For example, in Queensland, the future of Cape York is very important."

 

WORST-EVER AFFORDABILITY REQUIRES URGENT ACTION - THE NATIONAL SUMMIT ON HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

This information was forwarded in an email to me by ACOSS: On the eve of the National Summit on Housing Affordability, a new Options Paper has been released by the host organisations to help stimulate Summit discussion. Copies of the Options Paper are available on the Summit website by clicking on the title.

The Summit Chair, Prof Julian Disney of the University of New South Wales, said: “Affordability of housing is at its worst-ever level. It will get even worse unless vigorous and coordinated action is taken without delay. The 200 Summit participants from around Australia will identify top priorities for improving affordability, drawing on their own expertise and key sources like the Options Paper.”

Key affordability problems
During the last decade:
· average house prices relative to household income have almost doubled
· the proportion of first home buyers has fallen by about 30%
· average monthly payments on new loans have increased by about 50% ($500)
· the proportion of low-rent homes has fallen by about 15%
· opportunities to rent public housing have been cut by about 20%.
More than 100 families with children are turned away each night from emergency refuges.

Some options for action
The Paper identifies a number of possible actions for improving affordability. They include establishing a Cabinet Minister for Housing, Urban and Community Development with responsibility to develop a five-year National Housing Plan for achieving affordability benchmarks around Australia.
The National Housing Plan could include development of:
· a National Affordable Housing Agreement with commitments of resources by all levels of government
· a substantial increase in government and private investment on low-cost housing (including at least $500 million from the Commonwealth plus extra State funds)
· a national housing tax reform package based on the findings of an Independent Inquiry
· a new strategy on regional land and infrastructure planning for affordable housing .

25 JUNE 2004

MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL BACKS CONCERNS OVER COODE ISLAND

Having asked Melbourne City Council for a report to Council on the proposed Butadiene storage facility at Coode Island, I put forward a notice of motion that received majority support following amendment and some vigorous debate. In accordance with the resolution, a special meeting of Council will be held within two weeks to further consider the proposal.

The details and voting on the motion and amendments is shown below.

“That Council:
1. note the information in this report and resolve to advise the Environment Protection Authority that it wishes to be advised and consulted regarding any applications to store butadiene at Coode Island.
2. request that a full report be prepared on all aspects of this issue, including environmental and safety aspects for a special Council meeting to be held in approximately 14 days time and the representation made by the Footscray SES at the Special FCSG Committee meeting
3. has serious concerns and is opposed to the escalation of quantities of hazardous chemicals stored on Coode Island
4. has serious concerns and is opposed to any increase to the transportation of hazardous chemicals through our City
5. will vigorously campaign for the best possible outcomes in all aspects of environment protection and safety
6. write to Dow and BASF expressing its concern and informing them of our position in regard to an escalation of highly toxic chemicals stored on Coode Island and transported through our community; and
7. be updated about the tender awarding decision once made, and consider further strategies to deal with any escalation of the storage and transportation of hazardous chemicals.”

The Lord Mayor, with the consent of the Council, advised that the motion would be dealt with in parts.
Paragraph 1 of the motion was put and carried unanimously.
Paragraph 2 of the motion was put and carried unanimously.
Paragraph 3 of the motion was put and carried with the Lord Mayor (John So) and Councillors Kitching, Ng, Nicholson and Risstrom voting in favour of the motion and the Deputy Lord Mayor (Susan Riley) and Crs Chamberlin and Goonan voting against the motion.
Paragraph 4 of the motion was put and carried with the Lord Mayor (John So) and Councillors Kitching, Ng, Nicholson and Risstrom voting in favour of the motion and the Deputy Lord Mayor (Susan Riley) and Crs Chamberlin and Goonan voting against the motion.
Paragraph 5 of the motion was put and carried with the Lord Mayor (John So) and Councillors Kitching, Ng, Nicholson and Risstrom voting in favour of the motion and the Deputy Lord Mayor (Susan Riley) and Crs Chamberlin and Goonan voting against the motion.
Cr Ng left the meeting at 6.00pm and did not return.
Paragraph 6 of the motion was put and carried with the Lord Mayor (John So) and Councillors Kitching, Nicholson and Risstrom voting in favour of the motion and the Deputy Lord Mayor (Susan Riley) and Crs Chamberlin and Goonan voting against the motion.
Paragraph 7 of the motion was put and carried with the Lord Mayor (John So) and Councillors Kitching, Nicholson and Risstrom voting in favour of the motion and the Deputy Lord Mayor (Susan Riley) and Crs Chamberlin and Goonan voting against the motion.

LATHAM TRAPPED SELF - GREENS BLAST PBS HIKE

The following message was forwarded from Senator Bob Brown following the ALP's backflip on the cost of medicines.

In a clear indication of not-much-change if Labor wins the election, Labor has agreed to the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (in the House), and the 21% rise in Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme script costs for consumers (in the Senate).

This double endorsement of Liberal policy will send a demoralising message to the Labor-voting electorate, Greens Senator Bob Brown said today.

"Labor's non-intuitive cave-in will leave many Labor voters angry", Senator Brown said.

"The Latham opposition made a major mistake by instantly locking itself into Treasurer Costello's $14.7 billion tax-cut announcement on budget night.

"Instead of this huge allocation to the rich being reformulated to better assist low-income householders, Labor cut its option. So it was left to backflip on the PBS co-payment price rises to raise $1.1 billion to avoid a budget deficit from its election strategy which will spend big on low and middle income earners.

"Labor is targeting what it once called 'the sick and poor' in its PBS backflip to pay for promises to the healthy. It has lost its way," Senator Brown said.

More information: Katrina Willis 02 6277 3170 or 0419 704 095.

24 JUNE 2004

GREENS CONGRATULATE LABOR PROGRESS ON WATER REFORMS BUT CATCHMENT LOGGING REMAINS AN ACHILLES HEEL

I issued the following press release on the Victorian Government's water reforms.

Greens Senate candidate and Melbourne City Councilor David Risstrom has welcomed the Bracks government's water reform as recognition of the importance of Victoria's waters but claims it does not go far enough.

"If the Bracks government were serious about water reform they would end logging in catchment areas especially the Thomson catchment which is responsible for 40 per cent of Melbourne's water supply Cr Risstrom said.

"The Thomson's water yield has been reduced by 50 per cent because of logging, which when compared to logging profits represents a $147 million loss to Victoria", Cr Risstrom said.

"The Bracks government reforms will give 10 billion litres of water to the Thomson when water restrictions are lifted but Cr Risstrom said 'this is only a short term solution while the Thomson continues to loose 20,000 megalitres of water a year because of logging."

"The governments own Resource Strategy Review Committee reported that 20,000 megalitres of water in the Thomson catchment are lost each year because of logging."

"This represents five per cent of Melbourne's water supply."

"This water could be saved for the environment and Melbourne if the Bracks have the courage to end to logging in the Thomson catchment", Cr Risstrom said.

 

GREENS ALONE IN OPPOSITION TO HOMOPHOBIC MARRIAGE LAWS

The following media release was forwarded today from Greens MP Michael Organ.

Cunningham MP Michael Organ stood alone in the House of Representatives today in opposition to Government changes, supported by the ALP, to the Marriage Act which prohibit same sex couples from marrying.

"Attorney General Philip Ruddock and the Labor party are in bed together, and the bed is homophobia. The prohibition of marriage for same sex couples offends human rights and common decency."

"If people want to marry they should be able to, regardless of their sexuality. It's an application of the basic principle of equality before the law."

"What part of that don't the ALP and Coalition understand?"

"It's another Latham back flip. At the time he was elected as ALP parliamentary leader, the Opposition Leader said that he did not distinguish between relationships on 'religious grounds whether it's a same-sex or different-sex relationship, I don't draw a distinction.' Now he's happy to prohibit same sex marriages at the blink of an eye."

"People need to know that the ALP stands for something, and that includes opposing homophobia."

"People should ask themselves just when will the ALP finally stand up for a principle?" Michael Organ said.

23 JUNE 2004

AUSSIES EAT GE CANOLA BANNED IN EUROPE

The following media release was forwarded from Genethics today.

Amid health concerns, Monsanto's GE canola cannot be sold as food anywhere in Europe. British regulator (ACRE) says Monsanto has inadequately explained liver damage in rats fed on the canola. Yet Food Standards Australia NZ and the Gene Technology Regulator discounted the evidence of liver damage and licensed the same GE canola (Roundup Ready canola variety GT73) for sale in food and for planting here.

"Australian regulators are reckless and have broken the law which requires them to apply the precautionary principle to scientific evidence," says GeneEthics Director Bob Phelps.

"Where evidence is inconclusive or suggests unexplained dangers, applications should be rejected," he says.

"They accept company explanations that food and crops are safe without requiring doubtful experiments to be repeated, results to be independently checked or peer reviewed," he says.

A Monsanto animal feeding study found that rats fed only once on its GE canola had a 16% increase in liver weight less than a month later. The UK Government's scientific advisors - generally pro-GE - demanded, "a satisfactory explanation for this potentially adverse response".

"But our regulators uncritically accepted Monsanto's suggestion that the liver damage may have resulted from higher levels of the glucosinolate toxins normally present in all canola," Mr Phelps says.

"They recklessly put the interests of GE companies and the food industry ahead of health protection for Australian shoppers and their families," he says.

"Monsanto's licences for GE canola in food and on farms should be immediately revoked," he says.

"The GeneEthics Network calls on Australian governments to urgently review the objectivity of our regulators who assess the risks and hazards of gene technology and our food supply." he says.

"Their methods also need an urgent overhaul, to bring them up to the standards applied by the Europeans," Mr Phelps concludes.

 

ACOSS: $600 INCREASE IN FAMILY PAYMENTS NOW COULD MEAN LOWER FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENTS IN FUTURE.

This media release was issued by ACOSS on 21 June 04.

As families receive their first instalment of the Government’s $600 lump sum family payment, ACOSS raised concerns that in the future parents will receive less cash support every fortnight under the new arrangements.

“ACOSS welcomes the extra $600 a year per child in family payments announced in this year’s budget, but we have major concerns about how the Government proposes to implement it. We have two main concerns”, ACOSS President Andrew McCallum said today.

“Firstly, arrangements for the new $600 supplement will actually lead to lower fortnightly payments in the future for families, including the poorest. The fact the $600 is withheld to the end of the year combined with changes to the way the payment is indexed will see lower increases to fortnightly payments than would have been expected.” (See technical note below)

“Poor families can’t wait until the end of the year. They need their family payments every fortnight to pay for food, clothing and other essentials for their children.”

“Secondly, in the long-term, families could be no better off than if the extra $600 were never introduced. Because wages growth is expected to outstrip CPI over the next few years, the new indexation rules will see Family Tax Benefit rise more slowly than it would have under current rules. The value of the $600 increase will be washed away.”

“Ideally the legislation should be changed to ensure the $600 increase isn't clawed back over time. At the very least, families on social security payments should receive the $600 as a fortnightly payment, so that they’ll be better off now and no worse off in future”, said Mr McCallum.

“We also remain concerned that many families with dependent teenagers on Youth Allowance missed out on the ongoing $600 increase in the Budget. Although they are eligible for a one-off $600 bonus this year, low income families with older teenagers have clearly lost out compared with others– even though teenagers cost more.”

“Although the Government argues that families with older children may apply for Family Tax Benefits and receive the extra $600, to do this they would have to forego Youth Allowance, which is higher in most cases. The end result is that low and middle income families with dependent children over 16 miss out on the increase.

“ACOSS calls on the government to provide the ongoing $600 increase to families with teenagers aged 16-17 on Youth Allowance, who missed out in the budget.”

Technical note: Currently the level of Family Tax Benefit Part A is guaranteed at a minimum of a proportion of the pension rate. As well as paying the end-of-year $600 supplement, recent budget legislation also lowers this guaranteed fortnightly amount by $600 a year. If, as expected, the wages-linked pension rates rise over time at a faster rate than the CPI indexation that applies to Family Tax Benefit, this means the entire value of the $600 increase will be washed away and fortnightly payments will be reduced from what they would have been under previous arrangements.

22 JUNE 2004

GREENS MANSFIELD MEETING A GREAT SUCCESS

The Greens hosted a great public meeting at Bernasconi's Restaurant in Mansfield last night. Jenny O'Connor, Greens candidate for Indi, Don Cummings, Mayor of Mansfield Shire and I had the chance to speak to a lovely group of involved locals people. On top of an excellent meal, the night was a real lift for me, reminding me of how many good people there are wanting better things or Australia. In the coming weeks, I will be travelling with Greens candidates from across Victoria to meet with local communities and to continue campaigning across Victoria. I will post details on this site as the events move closer.

ANDREW WILKIE'S BOOK 'AXIS OF DECEIT: WHTY WILKIE RISKED ALL TO TELL THE TRUTH ON IRAQ' RELEASED TODAY

“Axis of Deceit”, Andrew Wilkie’s book exposing how the Howard Government lied all the way to Iraq, hits the shelves in bookshops across the country today.

In March 2003, Andrew Wilkie resigned from the Office of National Assessments, Australia’s senior intelligence agency, in protest against the Government’s fraudulent case for Australia’s commitment to the looming war in Iraq. His courageous stance made world headlines and strengthened the growing opposition to the war.

With the release of ‘Axis of Deceit’, the world can now read in detail why Andrew decided to blow the whistle and risk everything to tell the truth about WMD’s and Iraq.

Andrew is clear that, “The book is another way to press my case against the Howard government on its unethical war in Iraq.

“I deliberately intended the book to inform public debate about Iraq because despite the media attention I've found it difficult to explain my case in any detail.”

Aimed at a broad audience, it examines how the case for war was made in Washington, London and Canberra by governments that routinely skewed and outright fabricated intelligence.

“The book offers a personal account of my decision to blow the whistle on the government, and the aftermath of that decision,” Andrew said. “It also talks about the intelligence community and how it operates, as well as about the Iraq war and the faulty case for Australia getting involved in it.”

In the months following Andrew’s startling revelations, while the Howard government desperately tried to portray him as an insignificant, disgruntled worker, Andrew was carefully considering his next move.

Andrew Wilkie joined the Greens in December 2003 and is now standing for election in the seat of Bennelong, facing off against John Howard in own seat.

“It was not long after resigning that I began to think about becoming politically active. I was repulsed by the political self-interest of the Labor Party.

“After a lot of soul searching and hard research I judged the Greens to be the best fit with my personal values, philosophy and policies.”

Already, Andrew is overwhelmed by the extraordinary level support from angry voters throughout Bennelong.

“I'm receiving incredible support from people in Bennelong; it’s a real grass-roots movement that cuts right across party lines. The support is very heartening.”

You can find out more about Andrew Wilkie's Bennelong campaign by clicking on the underlined title.

21 JUNE 2004

GOVERNMENT ELECTORAL SHOCKER SHORTS OUT YOUTH VOTE

I issued the following press release on the Federal Government's shameful attempts to disenfranchise young voters.

“The Government’s attempt to close the rolls to new enrolments on the day they call the election is a crass and cynical move to exclude young people from their right to vote”, said Greens Senate Candidate David Risstrom.

“The government wants to send young people to electoral purgatory, because they know young voters are more likely to vote Green than conservative.”

The proposed changes in the Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Enrolment Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2004 passed the House of Representatives on 27 May and are due to be debated in the Senate this week. “The Bill is an electoral shocker and the Greens will vote it down.”

Roles currently close seven days after the election writs are issued. The Government wants new enrolments to close at 6pm on the same day and change of enrolments three working days after the issue of writs. This is despite the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters 2003 Report concluding that “the close of rolls period should remain at seven days” and that “the greatest catalyst for enrolment is an electoral event.” During the 2001 election, 373,732 voters enrolled or re-enrolled during the close of rolls period, 83,027 of them new enrolees. “Closing the rolls early will disenfranchise large numbers of people, particularly young people who are not enrolled yet, and who are much more likely to have moved house than older voters”, said David Risstrom.

“The Government is peddling an old claim that the electoral rolls must close early to allow the AEC to properly check enrolment details, a concern diminished by 2001 and one that with modern electronic roll management appears to better serve partisan interests than electoral integrity. In another example of conservative Orwellian speak, the Enrolment Integrity Bill delivers the antithesis of its title”, David Risstrom said.

The Bill also extinguishes the voting rights of a person sentenced to prison, who are currently only excluded from voting if they are to serve a sentence of five years or longer. This will disenfranchise a further 7,000 beyond the 11,000 currently affected. The change would disproportionately affect indigenous people, who are 16 times more likely to be in prison than non-indigenous people.

“Incredibly, the Bill also proposes to remove the requirement for publishers and broadcasters to furnish returns on electoral advertisements, opening the door wider for “Cash for Campaigning Comment”, David Risstrom said.

“Where does hypocrisy end and electoral accountability begin? The Government should abandon this bill and get behind moves to increase voter participation, such as those promoted by the Victorian Electoral Commission. These include electricity and water providers providing enrolment information with new connections, increased promotions in schools, providing information at citizenship ceremonies and provision of enrolment forms with proof of age cards for young people.”

David Risstrom was an Electoral Educator with the Australian Electoral Commission for 3 years. To interview David call 0418 502 713 or Simon Lansdown on 0415 535 564 - Victorian Greens Media Officer.

20 JUNE 2004

WORLD REFUGEE DAY

I listened to the current Minister for Immigration, Senator Amanda Vanstone say on 'Meet the Press' this morning, that no refugees are held in detention in Australia. The Minister claimed that only people having had an adverse determination and awaiting appeal were held in detention. What a load of rubbish!

Ministers, including Senator Vanstone, have been on record for some time that the policy of rejecting refugees that was applied during and since the Tampa crisis, and endorsed by both the Coalition government and Labor opposition, has been an effective deterrent for people seeking asylum. The Minister's claims are political double speak, and I believe are false. As David Marr's book Dark Victory documented, a deliberate policy was used to extinguish the rights of people to lawfully seek asylum on large areas of Australia's territory.

Having attended the World Environment Day rally at the Exhibition buildings today, it is clear that many people feel betrayed by the major parties and the utilitarian poll driven polices. How much lower can they sink?

Later, sitting in Fitzroy Town Hall with Rosa listening to an Actors For Refugees play, it is moving to hear tragedy and lies woven into one. It is horrific to think we have made the appaulling treatment of people seeking refugee status our reality.

19 JUNE 2004

GEMMA PINNELL AND BOB BROWN LAUNCH THE GREENS MELBOURNE CAMPAIGN!

Gemma Pinnell launched her campaign for the Federal Seat of Melbourne. Melbourne is one of the greenest voting constituencies in Australia, and has become much greener in recent years. Gemma Pinnell is a real possibility to be our next Member for Melbourne. The launch with Greens Senator Bob Brown received good television, radio and newspapers coverage.

The launch was followed by a fantastic trivia night hosted by Rod Quantock at the Brunswick Bowling Club, where unnecessarily difficult questions were met with unrealistically knowledgeable trivia aficionados. It was a great night, and thank you for all who attended.

18 JUNE 2004

YOUR TAXES HELPING TO EAT VICTORIA'S ALPS

I issued the following press release on cattle grazing in Victoria's Alpine National Park.

Many Victorians are unaware that their taxes are paying for cattle to use the Victorian Alpine National Park as a fattening paddock for alpine grazing

Melbourne City Green Cr. David Risstrom and Greens Senate Candidate, successfully lobbied the Victorian Parliament to create the Alpine National Park in 1988 as Alpine Project Officer with the Victorian National Parks Association.

Prior to creating the Alpine National Park, the Victorian Government created a system of seven year grazing licences for areas set to be part of the park. The current State Government has established a taskforce to consider the impacts and future of alpine grazing.

Mountain cattlemen pay $5.50 a head for their cattle to graze the alps for around four months over summer.  The Government receives between $30,000 to $40,000 per year in licence fees, while the cost to the taxpayer is at least $600,000 of public money per year to manage the grazing. “We are subsidising a private activity in the Alpine National Park that is eating into both our natural heritage and back pockets”, David Risstrom said.

“Our concern extends beyond the Alps being damaged. Corporate interests appear to be major beneficiaries while many family farms in the surrounding regions are suffering from significant drought induced stress”, said David Risstrom. “This simply isn't fair.”

The effect of cattle grazing in alpine environments has been subject to significant scientific study. “The findings of these studies show that amongst other things, alpine grazing spreads weeds, does not reduce fire risk in the Victorian Alps, damages alpine peat beds that play a very important role in maintaining water quality, and increases siltation and nutrient load in streams and rivers supporting surrounding areas”, David Risstrom said.

The Victorian Alpine, NSW Kosciuszko and ACT Namadgi National Parks form the Australian Alps.  “It is widely believed that grazing in the Victorian Alpine National Park is stopping the Australian Alps receiving the world heritage status it deserves”, said David Risstrom.

Green Senate Candidate David Risstrom, Indi candidate Jenny O’Connor and Mansfield Shire Mayor Don Cummins will be in Mansfield on Monday 21 June for a free public function at Bernasconis Restaurant from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and $30 ($20 conc.) dinner from 7:30 to 9:00 pm  where these and other local issues will be discussed.  Bookings: Janet Mackenzie on 03 5775 2988.

For more information: Simon Lansdown - 0415 535 564 - Victorian Greens Media Officer or Greens Lead Senate Candidate Cr. David Risstrom - 0418 502 713

17 JUNE 2004

LAUNCH OF 'THE PLACE TO BE ON PT'

I am sitting in the Yarra Room at Melbourne Town Hall for the release of the progressive public transport report 'The Place To Be on PT' Cath Smith of the Victorian Council of Social Services began the morning by identifying the obvious, but often omitted idea that "Transport access is a right." "Melbourne is still lucky that it has the strength of the tram network that it has."

Kathy McNaughtan of Environment Victoria provided some excellent information on trends for motor vehicles traffic in Victoria, identifying that "More road building and more traffic won't sort out our problems. It is like widening your belt to deal with obesity."

David Brandt, a strong disability advocate highlighted the issues of accessibility with the story of a wheel chair user getting onto a tram at Swanston St only to find it was the only stop they could get on and off the tram for the whole route. As David said, “There are people out there, including those who drive cars, who need decent public transport.”

Rob Moodie of VicHealth provided some great information on the links between physical, mental and social health and a society that gives alternatives to cars a fair go.

16 JUNE 2004

AUSTRALIAN GREENS ELECTION WEBSITE LAUNCHED!

The following message was forwarded from Senator Bob Brown on the launch of the new Australian Green election website.

"The coming federal election is vital for the future of our country. The Greens will be offering an optimistic alternative to the major parties, striving to achieve our goal of a fair, independent and sustainable Australia.

A vital part of our campaign will be our website. Through it we will be communicating our messages and policies for a better Australia.

Our brand new election campaign website is now live at www.greens.org.au.

Our new site features information about our candidates, as well as our policies and daily campaign developments. You can also use the site to make a donation to our campaign or to volunteer for the Greens.

I hope that you will be a regular visitor to www.greens.org.au over the coming weeks. It's a wonderful way for you to be involved in our campaign and support the Greens.

Regards, Senator Bob Brown

You can see details of my Senate campaign on the site at http://www.greens.org.au/davidrisstrom

15 JUNE 2004

VICTORIAN GREENS JOIN CANBERRA INDIGENOUS RIGHTS DEMONSTRATION AT FEDERAL PARLAIMENT

A contingent of Victorian Greens, including myself, travelled to Canberra on Monday night to join indigenous people for a demonstration on the steps of the Federal Parliament to voice our concern over the bill to demolish indigenous determination. While it is best known as relating to the abolition of ATSIC the bill does more than that. It bends the hands of time backwards,to give indigenous Australians no illusion that there sense of self will be subject to the Government's will. While White Australia has taken more than 200 years to develop an imperfect three tiered system of government, the Federal Government with the likely support of the Australian labor Party, will deny indigenous Australians even one system of governance. The rationale for this is that service delivery hasn't been good enough, when the realty is that the majority of the services are already provided through non indigenous departments and bureaucracy. Indigenous legal aid services are to be 'mainstreamed', allowing for the tender of public legal services for indigenous people to mainstream legal firms. While ATSIC has been far from perfect, and is deserving of some of the criticism I hear from within the indigenous community, the paternalism of the Federal Government ad Opposition is patently clear.

I issued the following media release in April, which sets out the opposition the Greens have to the retrograde path the conservatives (Liberal and Labor) have been cementing for some time.

Indigenous people right to decide on ATSIC

Victorian Greens lead Senate candidate and Melbourne City Councillor David Risstrom claims that the Howard Government’s and Federal Opposition’s push to abolish ATSIC demonstrates a serious lack of understanding or consideration of Indigenous Australians and their concerns and needs.

Cr Risstrom said, “The suggestion that ATSIC should be abolished without undertaking thorough consultation with Indigenous Australians shows that the leaders of Australia’s two major parties still have the colonial attitude that non-Indigenous people know what’s best for Australia's original custodians.

Cr Risstrom said, “Indigenous Australian culture is as diverse as any other culture and Indigenous Australians have differing opinions on issues like the role and relevance of ATSIC.”

“The people most effected by any changes to ATSIC will be Indigenous Australians”, said Cr Risstrom.

“Clearly then, indigenous people and their communities must be consulted about the effectiveness and appropriateness of ATSIC before any decision is made about its future”, Cr Risstrom said. “It’s about time we talked to indigenous people about what they think works best for them.”

Mr Risstrom pointed to the projects he initiated as councillor at Melbourne City Council as a way forward for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

“I suggest that we bring people together to discuss their culture and historic backgrounds and how our cultures have effected and benefited each other and how those relationships work”, he said.

“I am very proud to say that the program I initiated to bring together Indigenous Australians and local governments created a better understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and how they can work together to overcome misunderstandings and achieve true reconciliation and equality for Indigenous people”, said Cr Risstrom.

A report released in March by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner suggested that the Howard Government’s 'practical' approach to reconciliation has failed to improve standards of living and equality for Indigenous Australians.

“The Government can not blame ATSIC for the failure of its own policies”, said Cr Risstrom.

“ATSIC was set up as an autonomous organisation to manage the special needs of Indigenous Australians”, said Cr Risstrom. “This autonomy should be respected.”

13 JUNE 2004

KERRY NETTLE MAKING US PROUD TO BE GREEN

The following is an extract from Hansard from Senator Kerry Nettle on the appalling use of mandatory detention as a deterrent to people seeking lawful asylum. In the words of Pamela Curr, Victorian Greens Senate candidate, Kerry Nettle makes us proud to be green.

Senator NETTLE (The Australian Greens, New South Wales) (1.19 p.m.)—In the lead up to the last federal election, Minister Reith released photos that he claimed were of asylum seekers throwing their children overboard. At the same time many Australians were appalled by the story of Mr Alzalimi, whose five-, seven- and nine-year old daughters drowned at sea whilst trying to reach their father in Australia.

Last week I visited Baxter detention centre and the Port Augusta residential housing project to see whether things had changed in three years. I was particularly keen to visit the residential housing project because this is what both the government and the opposition point to when they are asked thorny questions about locking up children in our detention centres. I met a 20-year old Iranian girl Bahareh who has been held behind razor wire in Australia for the last four years. She described the residential housing project as a ‘golden cage’. She pointed to the furniture supplied by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs and said, ‘We don’t want this furniture; we want our freedom.’

The residential housing project is a gated cul-de-sac in a suburban street of Port Augusta. It is cordoned off from the community by two large fences. At regular intervals along the fence are security cameras and motion detectors. Security cameras also line the edge of the road through the middle of the area. Standing at any one point you can see the entire area, which is only about 100 metres by 40 metres. There are eight sterile demountable buildings, each with a two-metre backyard. Eight to nine guards are present daily, and several times throughout the day they walk into the homes to do a head count. Up to three families are housed in each home.

If it is hot at night, as I imagine it often is in Port Augusta, and someone opens the window after 11 o’clock at night, then guards descend on the home to check whether detainees are trying to escape out the window, past the two fences with motion detectors and security cameras and into Port Augusta. Mothers are escorted by three guards to the shops one morning a week. A detainee described to me how, if you are shopping and you see someone you know and say hello, you will be stopped from going on future shopping trips—so much for living in the community in these residential housing projects. There is no talking to neighbours through the two fences and cameras; there is no talking to friends whilst guards escort you on a weekly shopping trip. Children in these prisons who are able to go to school are body searched on the way to and from school each day.

The government boasts of allowing children in detention to attend school. I met two young people who have been in detention for four years and have faced persistent obstruction from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs in trying to access schooling. Benjamin and Bahareh were initially held in the Curtin detention centre when they were 14 and 15. At that stage no children in Curtin detention centre were allowed to access school. The family were told that if they agreed to transfer to Baxter detention centre the children would be able to go to school. So the family agreed to the transfer. On arrival, the children, now 16 and 17, were told they were too old to go to school—regardless of the fact that they had just missed two years and schooling and that they had moved to Baxter on the promise of being able to attend school.

Years of obstruction from DIMIA in trying to access education led the children to approach a private education provider of distance education in Adelaide. The provider was supportive until they received a phone call from DIMIA insisting that the children needed permission from DIMIA before proceeding. Not only has DIMIA been obstructionist with the children’s requests to access education but it has been actively preventing them from gaining access to schooling. After four years of trying in vain to get access to education, Benjamin and Bahareh have finally been given permission to access limited study by correspondence. They cannot receive a recognition of the study they do. Baxter detention centre holds onto Benjamin’s books and other materials for so long when they arrive in the post that he cannot get any work handed in on time. These children are asked to pay $10,000 each of their own money for this privilege of accessing education.

I also visited a man by the name of Peter Qasim who is believed to be the longest serving detainee in Australia. Peter has been locked in detention for five years and nine months. He has been locked up at Perth, Curtin and Woomera detention centres and he is now locked up in the desert at Baxter, but he, like all detainees at Baxter, cannot see the desert from his compound. He says has now given up making friends, because at each detention centre when he has tried to relieve some of his pain by making friends, he has been transferred.

Ten months ago Peter applied for an Indian passport so that he could be returned home. Peter is from the disputed territory of Kashmir controlled by India and he was part of the Muslim separatist Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front. The Indian government does not recognise Peter as a citizen. With 20 million people living illegally in India, it is unsurprising that validating a former separatist is not at the top of India’s to do list. Indian authorities have said in relation to validating Peter’s identity that ‘it will take a while to hear from their end’. The fact that an Indian state, one in the midst of a conflict, has said it is looking into Peter’s identity is something that this government clings to tightly to deny that Peter is a stateless detainee and to deny that all avenues have been pursued. Peter agreed to be return home 10 months ago, but with no movement on his case, he ekes out a form of existence in our detention centres. He openly wonders how long he can keep his spirits up before he gives in. The government argues that their detention regime is not punitive. With no foreseeable movement on Peter’s case it is hard to find a more appropriate word to describe his detention by this government.

I met another young man at Baxter called Ali Gharamany. Ali has spent most of his life since childhood in prison, first as a political prisoner in Iran’s infamous Evin prison, and now in the desert prisons of this government’s mandatory detention regime. What is his crime? Struggling for democracy in Iran. He escaped the torture and persecution he received in Iran only to be locked up in Australia. This young man’s mental health is clearly under strain. All he is asking for is the chance to live a regular life, to contribute to Australian society and live free from persecution. Instead, this government locks him up.

My trip to Baxter and the residential housing project has highlighted for me the urgent need for Australia to change its asylum seeker processing system to a humane process that does not involve mandatory detention. We need to do this in order to rebuild our international reputation as a welcoming country. We also need to do this so that we as a country can benefit from all that those seeking asylum have to offer to our country. About 90 per cent of asylum seekers who arrive in Australia by boat are out to be genuine refugees. Years of imprisonment inhibits them from being able to enjoy and contribute to strengthening the diversity of our society.

The treatment of asylum seekers was a pivotal issue in the minds of many voters at the last federal election. Three years on, Australians have heard the stories of individual detainees and have met the TPV holders contributing to the economy of their regional towns. We have a situation where even more Australians are concerned and appalled by this government’s treatment of asylum seekers. Both the major political parties need to explain their vision for humane treatment of asylum seekers and how it differs from the current situation.

The residential housing projects and community or home detention of asylum seekers are not appropriate or humane systems for detaining asylum seekers. They are simply another form of detention; they are simply a different type of prison. The residential housing projects separates families and community detention extends the system of detention into our society in the same way that home detention of prisoners extends the criminal justice system into our communities.

Community or home detention is when responsibility for a detainee is given to an agency, often a church agency. The house in which they are kept is designated a place of detention and certain individuals are police and DIMIA checked in order to be able to interact with the detainees. Children can be taken to school only by these individuals and parents can only leave the home in the company of these individuals. If a mother runs out of milk and there is a shop across the road selling milk, she cannot simply go out and go across the road to buy some milk.

Families are locked up in these houses in the community and are completely isolated. They rely on approved and security checked individuals for any contact. It is unlike even the situation in a detention centre when there are other detainees to talk to and interact with. It is also an incredibly expensive form of detention. We heard last night about the $700,000 of taxpayers’ money spent on keeping a mother and her youngest child in a hotel in Adelaide away from her five other children. There is another mother and a child who have been kept in the same hotel for at least two years. If the costs of keeping them there are the same as the $80,000 a month to keep Mrs Bakhtiyari in the same hotel, then this government has spent $1.9 million dollars in detaining one woman and her young child. Think about the incredible community services and support that we could be providing to asylum seekers in this country with this money.

The Greens advocate for a system for processing asylum seekers where claims are assessed whilst individuals live in the community, as they do in Europe and as we had in this country in the 1970s and 1980s. We can and we should implement a policy of hostel style reception centres in our cities, which are open to our communities, for those healthy and security checked asylum seekers to come and go whilst they wait to move into the community. We should be strengthening our diverse community. We should be rebuilding our international reputation rather than locking up, in razor-wire prisons in the desert, individuals who have come to this country—fleeing torture in places like Iran, fleeing persecution in places like Kashmir—to seek asylum and the opportunity for a new life contributing to our community. They are locked up in these prisons. Their mental health continues to suffer under a mandatory detention regime that is supported by both major parties in this parliament.

We, as a country of Australians, need to rebuild our reputation internationally. When I have told these stories that I have been telling today to people whom I have met in the community, they have said, ‘That is embarrassing.’ It is embarrassing that that is the way that this country and this government is treating people, such as those fighting for democracy in Iran. It is not acceptable. A growing number of Australians are immensely concerned about what is happening and want to see a change. This election provides an opportunity for those thousands of refuge advocates around the country who have been assisting and helping these detainees to speak out to both the major political parties and say, ‘These are the changes we need. This is the humane way that we should be treating asylum seekers in this country. Let’s look to other countries; let’s look to examples in Europe and in our own country not so long ago where we had a humane system and people were in the community whilst their claim for asylum was being assessed.’ That is the path that we should be going down and that is the path that the Greens will continue to advocate for both here and in the community.

11 JUNE 2004

HICKS FACES KANGAROO COURT - BROWN

The following media release was issued by Bob Brown today.

"Australian David Hicks, held illegally at Guantanamo Bay, now faces a kangaroo court called a military commission. It will deny Hicks a range of legal rights," Greens Senator Bob Brown said today.

The three Americans at Guantanamo Bay were sent home to the US domestic court system long ago. But the two Australians face this procedural farce, treated as second rate to Americans, with the Prime Minister's approval.

Senator Brown says an independent investigation of prisoner abuse at Guantanamo Bay would see US government officials before the courts.

Further information: 03 62 341 633 or Katrina Willis 0419 704 095

ADVANCE NOTICE: SCREENING OF 'THE END OF SUBURBIA' ON JUNE 29

The 'END of SUBURBIA' A film about Oil Depletion and the Collapse of The Suburban Dream (US: 2004) will be shown at 7:30 pm June 29 at the Kaliede Theatre, RMIT, Swanston St. City. A map is available by clicking on the underlined title. Entry is by donation. Duration: 78 minutes. There will also be extracts of an original interview with permaculture co-originator David Holmgren who offers some hope for low energy future with his vision of a suburbia retrofitted for a back-to-basics, communal, garden agricultural, street-reclaiming lifestyle.

What is the End of Suburbia?

The world may be entering a new era. According to a growing consensus of scientists, global oil production will soon peak and enter a period of terminal decline. It's an issue which impacts directly on economics, geopolitics, agriculture, and equally profoundly, the Suburban Dream. The END of SUBURBIA presents a compelling introduction to the issue of 'Oil Peak'.

What does Oil Peak mean for industrialised nations? As energy prices skyrocket in the coming years, how will the populations of suburbia react to the collapse of their dream? Are today's suburbs destined to become the slums of tomorrow? And what can be done NOW, individually and collectively, to avoid The End of Suburbia?

Presented by The Post Carbon Institute and Energy Bulletin.

Some quotes that apply to the film include:

"Every generation has its taboo, and ours is this: that the resource upon which our lives have been built is running out. We don't talk about it because we cannot imagine it. This is a civilisation in denial." - George Monbiot, The Guardian, 2003.

"By 2010 we will need on the order of an additional fifty million barrels a day. So where is the oil going to come from?... Oil is unique in that it is so strategic in nature. We are not talking about soapflakes or leisure wear here. Energy is truly fundamental to the world's economy." - Dick Cheney, speech to the London Institute of Petroleum, 1999.

"Today we enjoy a daily production of 75m bpd. But to meet projected demand in 2015, we would need to open new oilfields that can give an additional 60m bpd. This is frankly impossible. The implications of this are mind-blowing." -Michael Meacher, UK environment minister from 1997 to June 2003, Financial Times, 2004.

"My father rode a camel. I drive a car. My son flies a jet airplane. His son
will ride a camel." -- Saudi saying.

More information on the film is available online at the website 'End Of Suburbia'.

10 JUNE 2004

HOW GREEN WAS THE GIPPER? A VIEW FROM DAILY GRIST

My personal politics were challenged during a 6 month trip I took through Latin America in 1988-9. What I saw of our foreign policy, and that of our allies, in action was not what I had previously understood it to be. I travelled through Nicaragua during the civil war and am still affected by learning that two seemingly very decent people I spoke to on a roadside stall on my way to the Mosquito Coast were shot the next day. And that a bus line I had travelled on and had much fun on with the people on board suffered a bombing killing all on board. And learning that the CIA had illegally bombed Nicaragua Harbour. It didn't make sense. Having seen more of the world since then, it still doesn't. The death of Ronald Reagan has been met with almost universal praise for his policies. This article by Amanda Griscom from the Ezine 'The Daily grist caught by eye.

How Green Was the Gipper? A look back at Reagan's environmental record

The news of President Reagan's passing has sent waves of emotion and rapturous eulogizing through the Republican Party and beyond. Amidst all the heartfelt tributes, it's clear that the 40th president of the United States is regarded as the true political father figure of George W. Bush - more so than the president's own dad.

Given the ideological ties between these two administrations - not to mention the election-year timing of Reagan's death - some measure of political spin on the GOP elegies is all but inevitable. But some critics are concerned that the fond remembrances are coming off as distorted hero worship.

"With all due respect to President Reagan, who was a very nice man, the Republican myth making machine is puffing so hard I'm amazed they aren't having a funeral train stop in the 17 swing states," said Phil Clapp, president of National Environmental Trust. "They are rewriting history to make a political icon out of a flawed president."

More surprising than the GOP spin, however, is the fact that many critics of the Bush administration also seem to have forgotten Reagan's flaws - particularly in the area of the environment.

Republicans for Environmental Protection, an organization that has been a staunch critic of Bush's environmental record, posted a glowing In Memoriam to Reagan on their website Monday: "REP America joins every citizen in bidding a sad farewell to President Ronald Reagan. His wilderness protection achievements are an enduring legacy for the American people. President Reagan signed into law 38 bills that added more than 10.6 million acres of spectacular forests, mountains, deserts, and wetlands to the National Wilderness Preservation System."

Also on Monday, the Los Angeles Times published an article praising Reagan for his environmental record as governor of California. The article quotes Reagan biographer Lou Cannon touting Reagan's gubernatorial eco-legacy as one of the high points of his career: "To me, the environmental achievements are enduring. Who the hell remembers or cares what the taxes or the budget was in 1967, but long after, people are going to be able to use the John Muir Trail without having to hit a highway."

John Muir is probably spinning in his grave over such misleading praise. True, Reagan had a strong environmental record as governor, but one might surmise that it was strictly a political posture meant to appeal to his pro-environment constituency in California, given that the minute he stepped foot in the White House, his record on the environment took a dramatic turn for the worse. In fact, had Reagan and his cabinet members gotten their way, wildlands around the U.S. would have been turned into highways, or worse.

"The Reagan administration adopted an extraordinarily aggressive policy of issuing leases for oil, gas, and coal development on tens of millions of acres of national lands -- more than any other administration in history, including the current one," said the Wilderness Society's David Alberswerth.

Before delving further into Reagan's track record, it's worth recalling his infamous public statement that "trees cause more pollution than automobiles do," and that if "you've seen one tree you've seen them all." This is not, in other words, a president who demonstrated much ecological prowess.

Reagan's ignorance in this area is personified by James Watt and Anne Gorsuch, the leaders he selected to head the Department of Interior and the U.S. EPA, respectively. "Never has America seen two more intensely controversial and blatantly anti-environmental political appointees than Watt and Gorsuch," said Greg Wetstone, director of advocacy at the Natural Resources Defense Council, who served on the Hill during the Reagan era as chief environment council at the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The list of rollbacks attempted by these administrators is as sweeping as those of the current administration. Gorsuch tried to gut the Clean Air Act with proposals to weaken pollution standards "on everything from automobiles to furniture manufacturers - efforts which took Congress two years to defeat," according to Clapp. Moves to weaken the Clean Water Act were equally aggressive, crescendoing in 1987 when Reagan vetoed a strong reauthorisation of the act only to have his veto overwhelmingly overridden by Congress. Assaults on Superfund were so hideous that Rita Lavelle, director of the program, was thrown in jail for lying to Congress under oath about corruption in her agency division.

The gutting of funds for environmental protection was another part of Reagan's legacy. "EPA budget cuts during Reagan's first term were worse than they are today," said Frank O'Donnell, director of Clean Air Trust, who reported on environmental policy for The Washington Monthly during the Reagan era. "The administration tried to cut EPA funding by more than 25 percent in its first budget proposal," he said. And massive cuts to Carter-era renewable-energy programs "set solar back a decade," said Clapp.

Topping it all off were efforts to slash the EPA enforcement program: "The enforcement slowdown was staggering," said a staffer at the House Energy and Commerce Committee who helped investigate the Reagan administration's enforcement of environmental laws during the early '80s. "In the first year of the Reagan administration, there was a 79 percent decline in the number of enforcement cases filed from regional offices to EPA headquarters, and a 69 percent decline in the number of cases filed from the EPA to the Department of Justice."

Sound familiar? "There are plenty of similarities between the anti-government, anti-environment ideology of the Reagan administration and that of the current Bush administration," said Sylvia Lowrance, a former EPA employee who worked as an attorney at the agency under Reagan. "But one critical difference made it far more difficult for the Reagan administration to get away with their agenda: a Democratic majority in Congress. There were strong checks and balances that we don't see now."

During Reagan's first term, there was a Democratic House of Representatives and the Senate was controlled by moderate Republicans - many of them relatively pro-environment, including Robert Stafford (Vt.), Bob Packwood (Ore.), and John Chafee (R.I.). Having control of the House enabled Democrats to hold numerous hearings and investigations into the administration's controversial initiatives, something they can't do now that they're in the minority in both houses of Congress.

But there was another, possibly even more powerful, difference between the anti-environmentalism of the Reagan era and the hostility we see today: Brutal honesty.

"James Watt had all the political skills and public relations sense of a boa constrictor," said Jim DiPeso, policy director at REP. "When Watt wanted to open up wilderness areas to mining and drilling regardless of the environmental consequences, he said just that. But at least he had the virtue of being a straight shooter."

Lowrance recalls sitting across the table from Gorsuch in a heated debate over environmental rollbacks. "We had it out," she told Muckraker. "Contrast that to today when the career people are completely shut out of the conversation. It was a much more honest debate then."

Watt's impolitic bluntness ultimately got the best of him. He made the most odious comment of his career in defense of his widely criticized decision to authorize the sale of more than 1 billion tons of coal from federal lands in Wyoming. He argued that he was immune to criticism because members of his coal-advisory panel included "a black ... a woman, two Jews, and a cripple." This comment got him fired in 1983, the same year that Gorsuch was forced to resign because documents exposed by Congress revealed major misconduct within her agency.

It's a sad state of affairs when this kind of contemptible candour is remembered fondly: "If only we could see the wolves beneath the sheeps' clothing today," said Daniel Weiss, a senior vice president at the environmental consulting firm M & R Strategic Services, who worked as an environmental lobbyist during the Reagan era. "Unfortunately, now our leaders are much more savvy -- and far more insidious. They undo laws in the dead of night. Gale Norton is nothing more than James Watt with a smile."

"As bad as the Reagan administration was," adds Wetstone, "it looks positively quaint in comparison to what's happening today."

7 JUNE 2004

FEDERAL FUTURE FOR VICTORIA: ROADS TO CONGESTION

I issued the following press release following the release of the Government's Auslink Federal transport policy.

“The Federal Government’s Auslink land transport scheme is creating a future of more and more roads, more single vehicle car trips, continuing poor public transport and no relief for a transport system embedded in increasingly expensive and scarce fossil fuels”, said Victorian Greens Senate Candidate Cr. David Risstrom.

The Victorian road projects detailed in Auslink include the Geelong Bypass, the Calder freeway to Bendigo, the Deer Park Bypass and dual lane expansion of the Hume Highway.

“With about 85% of the $11.8 billion Auslink transport package going towards more and more roads carrying freight and people riding one their own in cars, the future of transport looks a lot like the Americanisation of our road systems: More cars, more congestion, less transport choices and another missed opportunity to make a serious commitment to modern well maintained rail services.”

“The Federal Transport Package looks more like a highway widening project leading to a dead end, than a real transport future for Victoria”, David Risstrom said. “Roads are an essential part of any transport system, but simply projecting more trips, making more roads, and leaving public transport to flounder is a recipe for congestion.”

“While Federal Coalition and State Labor government fight over who can build the most highways, next to nothing is being done to reduce our dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels and to deal with the climate change problems they create. It also means more urban sprawl, more highways emptying into residential areas and greater air pollution”, David Risstrom said.

“It is the old con.  We are being asked to accept freeways for freight and business when the majority of journeys are one person in a big car. If we want more space for trucks, we have to invest in public transport networks that give people choices to get out of their car and leave the existing roads for essential freight and business.”

“Both State and Federal governments know this but they still believe there are enough voters who will be fooled by ‘cargo cult’ freeway promises.  The Greens know that voters are smarter than that!” David Risstrom said.

PRIVATE HEALTH REBATE AN EXPENSIVE FAILURE

I wrote the following Letter to the Editor following further independent research from the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economics and Social Research, which confirms that the government's $2.5 billion 30% private health insurance rebate is expensive, inequitable and ineffective.

The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economics and Social Research report on the failure of the 30% private health insurance rebate confirms what the Greens have been saying and supports our policy to abolish the rebate.

The report identifies that the rebate has disproportionately benefited the rich and has not reduced pressure on public hospitals, which the Howard government has insisted is its chief purpose.

The $2.5 billion spent underwriting private health insurance would be better spent supporting public health, increasing funds for overstretched hospitals, reversing the decline in bulk billing for GP services, boosting preventative health and redressing the appalling standards of Indigenous health.

Greens Senator Kerry Nettle's move in parliament last year to abolish the rebate and invest public money in public health was not supported by either the Liberals or Labor.

The Liberals appear intent on undermining our universal healthcare system - most recently with the unfair safety net scheme - while the Labor Party, who have ruled out abolishing the rebate, appear to think it is okay for public health to haemorrhage in order to avoid offending their corporate friends.

Universal health care is too important to gamble with. Allowing public health to be run down is like hoping poor people do not get sick. It is not good enough and the Greens will not stand for it.

Cr. David Risstrom
Green Senate Candidate

6 JUNE 2004

A GREAT MELBOURNE RALLY TO PROTECT GREAT FORESTS

For the thousands of people who took to the streets across Australia to protect our great forests, it was a lovely day to be Green. Being amongst so many good people, children, dogs, colours, music and great optimism, it was a day to behold. Let's hope the people we trust us politicians have the foresight to protect some of the priceless forest areas in Tasmania and Australia more widely, and to ensure the workers involved are properly compensated for the bad government policies that have led us to where we are.

The Tarkine Rally in Melbourne was reported as being supported by more than 15,000 people (and at least one very special dog).

5 JUNE 2004

GREENS THANK VICTORIANS WHO ROCK AND RALLY TO STAND UP FOR OUR FORESTS

I issued the following press release ahead of the Sunday 6 June Stand Up For The Forests Rally. The Rally begins at midday on Sunday 6 June in Swanston St. Melbourne, outside the Victorian State Library. We will be marching down Swanston St. to Federation Square where there will be a great free afternoon concert with stars including The Cat Empire, David Bridie, Peter Phelps (from Stingers), Paul Kelly and award-winning author Richard Flanagan. Rosa and I look forward to seeing you there.

Greens thank Victorians who Rock and Rally to Stand Up For Our Forests

The Victorian Greens congratulate the organisers of the Stand Up For The Forests Rally and all Victorians for their heartfelt support for Tasmanian and Victorian forests at the World Environment Day Rally in Melbourne on Sunday 6 June.

The major rally and concert will begin at 12 noon, Sunday 6 June outside the Victorian State Library finishing at Federation Square for a free afternoon concert with stars including The Cat Empire, David Bridie, Peter Phelps (from Stingers), Paul Kelly and award-winning author Richard Flanagan. The Victorian Rally is one a number of major rallies around Australia.

“The Stand Up For the Forests Rally sends a clear message to the federal and state governments that Tasmanian and Victorian forests should be saved and protected”, said Victorian Greens candidate and Melbourne City Councillor David Risstrom. “I’ll be there. I wouldn't miss it for anything.”

“People’s strong feelings about the ravaging of our native forests means this issue will not go away. Victorians will continue to stand up for the environment long after the temporary green spots of the major parties have washed away in the shower after the election”, said Cr Risstrom.

“If the major parties do not act to save Victorian and Tasmanian native forests, Victorians will demonstrate their disapproval in the upcoming federal election”, Cr Risstrom said.

“The Australian Greens strongly support those who attended the rally and call on the federal and state governments to listen to Victorians and stop logging in native forests”, Cr Risstrom said.

4 JUNE 2004

THE GREAT GREENS GARAGE SALE ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

The Great Green Darebin Garage Sale

I issued the following press release on the Great Green Garage Sales around Victoria.

The Great Greens Garage Sale on World Environment Day

To mark World Environment Day on Saturday June 5, Australian Greens Victoria branches all over Victoria will hold ‘Green Garage Sales’ to raise funds and promote ‘Reducing, Reusing and Recycling.’

The Green Garage Sales as a great opportunity to get people involved in practical environmentalism and at the same time find a bargain.

"Green garage sales are great opportunity for people to do something constructive about the environment", said Victorian Greens Senate candidate and Melbourne City Councillor David Risstrom.

"Victorians are seriously concerned about the environment. I think that many of them want to do more than attend rallies once or twice a year, they want to know that their actions have a positive effect."

"They want to put their energies and efforts towards outcomes that work.  Recycling through garage sales is a great way to do that. This means there are less resources going into production, less waste and more money stays in the community", Cr Risstrom said.

"Not to mention that it is good fun and an excellent opportunity for people to meet their neighbours, including their local Greens candidate."

"We really hope that Victorians get on-board and come along to their local Greens Garage Sale on World Environment Day and do something practical for the environment."

Greens Garage Sales will be held all over Victoria. Those in or near Melbourne include:
• Aston: 9am - 3pm at 71 Husbands Rd, Forest Hill
• Batman:  10am - 4 pm at 15 Clarendon Street, Thornbury
• Gellibrand: 9am -2pm at 35 Severn Street, Yarraville and 9am -1pm at 98 Simmonds Drive Seaholme
• Melbourne: 10am - 2pm at 191 Queens Pde Clifton Hill (right near the Clifton Hill post office)
• Melbourne Ports: 9am at 4 The Avenue (off Hotham Road) Balaclava
• Wills: 9 am at 195 Barkly St, Brunswick (near Barkly Square)

For more information check the Australian Greens Victoria website at www.vic.greens.org.au

3 JUNE 2004

MAGIC 38 - COMPLETE COALITION CONTROL OF THE SENATE - THE BIG ELECTION ISSUE

This article sprouted from our Australian election watcher in Brussels, Ben Oquist, former media officer to Greens Senator Bob Brown.

The 'Magic 38' - Complete Coalition Control of the Senate - The Big Election Issue.

This election is the one of the most important Australian elections ever. And it has nothing to do with whether John Howard or Mark Latham wins. Whatever political party you support, if you believe in democracy you'll want to keep the Senate out of any single party's control.

Even if Labor wins Government, it is possible, indeed likely, that the Coalition will secure the 'Magic 38' Senate seats. 38 is of course exactly half of the total 76 positions in the chamber. This means the Coalition in Opposition would be able to block any piece of legislation on its own.

More to the point, they could block supply without needing a single vote of any independent or minor party being required.

Imagine how hamstrung a Labor Government would be if any budget measure or any piece of legislation it introduced could be simply blocked by the Liberal/National Coalition. Such a government could be brought to its knees within months.

Worse still, imagine if the Howard Government is returned. They will have almost full control of the Senate needing only one vote to pass any legislation. They would have the numbers to stymie any opposition amendment, motion or Senate inquiry.

The very nature of our democracy is at stake.

So how is it that the Coalition could control the Senate even after losing the election?

Only half the Senate is elected at a normal Federal election. So eighteen Coalition Senators elected in 2001 will not face election this time around. As a result of their success in the previous election, the Coalition only needs to win 20 out of 40 senators up for re-election. They will only need to equal their 2001 performance - three Senate seats in each state and one in each territory - and they will reach the 'Magic 38'.

To win three seats in any state requires only 42.2 percent of the vote after preferences are distributed. Even if the Coalition loses the election, a vote of that magnitude is more than likely. In fact they may well need a much lower primary vote than that. In each State, the last Senate seat is usually won by a candidate with much less than a full quota.

Normally the Coalition is assured of one Senator in each territory (where there are only 2 spots contested unlike the 6 in each State) but this time the Greens Kerrie Tucker is mounting a substantial challenge to the incumbent Liberal Senator in the ACT. Kerrie Tucker could very easily be the best chance to deny the Coalition their 'Magic 38' seats.

And around the country the Greens Senate prospects are stronger than ever before. A good Greens vote could be enough to stop the third Coalition Senate being elected in your state.

Never before has your Senate vote been more critical. Complete Control of the Senate would be a disaster for Australia.

Ben Oquist

31 MAY 2004

GREENS CALL ON GOVERNMENT TO COME CLEAN ON COODE ISLAND

I issued the following press release on the proposed butadiene gas ship transport and storage at Coode Island.

Greens Melbourne City Councillor and Senate Candidate David Risstrom has called on the Victorian Government to come clean on the risks to residents from butadiene gas ships and long term storage on Coode Island. Councillor Risstrom said there is an urgent need for the public to know what risks they face and whether the Government is protecting their interests.

“Shipping butadiene and building new facilities at Coode Island would place residents, some who live only hundreds of meters from Coode Island, at risk for decades to come”, said Cr. Risstrom.

“Butadiene is more dangerous than any other chemical stored at Coode Island. Butadiene is extremely flammable and highly explosive. It is heavier than air, so if a leak occurs the vapours can spread across land expanding the risk of fire or explosion.”

“It seems the only supporters for the proposal are the chemical company that produces butadiene and the company that wants to store it”, said Cr Risstrom. 

“The community is against it, the local councils are against it, environment groups are against it, even the major chemical storage operator at Coode Island has refused to bid on the proposal due to the risk”, said Cr Risstrom.

“Where do the State and Federal Governments stand on this?”

What plans are there to remove the risks relating to storing butadiene only a few hundred yards from residents? Has the State Government spoken to the Australian Federal Police about security? Has the Federal Government been consulted?”

“These are all questions the community has a right to know. Their safety depends on it.”

At a time when Australian governments and people are so concerned about the threat from terrorist attacks, it is extraordinary that the Government has no public position on the risk this proposal presents to its community.”

“The community should have a say in any proposal that puts them at risk. The Government must also reveal the process undertaken in choosing Coode Island. What alternatives, if any, did they seek?” I am writing to the Minister responsible, Peter Batchelor, to get answers.”

“We thought they may have learned from their experience over trying to establish a toxic dump. It stinks of the same failed procedure”, Cr Risstrom said.

30 MAY 2004

COODE ISLAND GAS SHIPS AN UNACCEPTABLE RISK

I issued the following press release on the proposed butadiene gas ship transport and storage at Coode Island:

Melbourne City Greens and Victorian Greens Senate Candidate Cr. David Risstrom condemned a proposal to transport highly dangerous butadiene in gas ships up the Yarra and to keep them it storage for decades to come at Coode Island.

Making public the proposal, Greens Cr. Risstrom asked, “Why haven’t the community been made aware of the risks they will face? People have a right to know.

”The proposal by multinational Dow Chemicals involves shipping butadiene on gas ships and storing it in newly built facilities at Coode Island. Butadiene is currently sourced from Qenos at the Altona petrochemical complex, where production is expected to cease within the year.

Why is the transporting butadiene to Coode Island and storing it such a concern?
• Butadiene has a class 2 risk rating, being more dangerous than any other material we know is currently stored at Coode Island
• It is extremely flammable, a significant fire and explosion hazard and can readily form explosive mixtures in air.
• Butadiene vapours are heavier than air. The vapour can accumulate and travel along the ground a significant distance to an ignition source, resulting in a flash-fire.
• The US Department of Transportation requires fire incidents to be isolated for 1.6 kms in all directions, when Coode Island is only a few hundred metres from the closest houses.

“This would be the first time gas ships would be travelling up the Yarra to this point, making the ships an unacceptably dangerous target”, David Risstrom said.

“The increased threat of terrorism makes facilitates such as these in highly populated areas totally unacceptable.”

“It is wrong for a secret tender to be run that will see the transport and storage of a volatile and dangerous chemical at Coode Island when so many residents live dangerously close.”

“A new Coode Island butadiene storage facility means the community will remain at risk for decades to come”, David Risstrom said.

The extent of Government involvement or endorsement remains unknown. “If the State or Federal Governments were aware of this, when were they going to tell people what was happening?” asked Cr. Risstrom.

28 MAY 2004

LABOR CHALLENGED OVER TASMANIAN FORESTS

Greens candidate for Melbourne, Gemma Pinnell and I issued the following press release following Mark Latham's environment statement this week, which appears to be sacrificing Tasmania and Victoria's forests to the business as usual destruction we have come to expect of the major parties.

Labor challenged over Tasmania's forests.

"Labor is set to endorse Prime Minister John Howard's agreement to cut down, burn and poison the grandest forests in the Southern Hemisphere at the fastest rate in history," said Melbourne City Councillor and Greens Senate candidate, David Risstrom yesterday.

“Opposition leader Mark Latham's speech on the environment shows he won't save any of Victoria and Tasmania's threatened iconic forests and wildlife from obliteration, Cr Risstrom said.

"We will never support anything which by default endorses chainsaws in Victorian catchment areas and their native forests."

“Logging Victoria's catchment areas, like The Thomson, dramatically reduces water yields. Considering the federal government recently acknowledged the important role our forests play in preserving our water resources, it is amazing that they don't stop the logging.

"We welcome the endorsement of our campaign for world heritage listing for Antarctica and to ratify the Kyoto Protocol but the aim to restore 1500 gigalitres to the Murray River over 10 years is too little, and will come too late.

"Prime Minister Howard has refused to ratify Kyoto. And his plan to spend money on developing coal technology, which would not be used in Australia's current coal-burning power stations, is a fuzzy, inadequate and contradictory plan which will fail to stem global warming.” said Cr Risstrom.

Gemma Pinnell, Australian Greens candidate for Melbourne claims Melbourne residents have already spoken, and that the government is ignoring their demands.

"I hope the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader's announcements will shine light on their true stance - and bring voters who are concerned about our forests to the Greens,"  Ms Pinnell said.

“Melbourne residents have voiced their desire to save the environment through their support of  recycling and tree-planting initiatives. It is time the government stopped ignoring the community, cutting down our future, and got behind us on this,” Ms Pinnell said.

27 MAY 2004

WE WOULD TAKE THE COAT OFF YOUR BACK ..........

I received this email today. I can't vouch for its veracity, but it appears to be a genuine offer by a group of people to do something very worthwhile.

Winter is just around the corner and that means cold days and even colder nights and for some of us that is no problem, that's what we have heating for, but for those living on the streets (approximately 2900 children will be homeless in Victoria on any given night) it's an even tougher time of year.

So we need you to go through your closet grab that old winter coat that is hanging there (some of us may even have 2 or 3 coats among the family) and give it to us so we can get it to someone who will use it.

We are a group of six like-minded individuals bound not by religion or profit but who are driven to help others at this time of year. We aim to collect the coats during May and the St Kilda Crises Centre will deliver them from June 1, THE FIRST DAY OF WINTER 2004. We hope to get 1000 coats minimum but we are all overachievers and believe with your help there could be many more coats out there for the disadvantaged of Melbourne.

So please drop your coat at:
• Lygon Court - Carpark pay booth, 333 Drummond St Carlton
• Playbox, Southbank reservations office
• Mitre Tavern, 5 Bank Place Melbourne
• Tonic, 13 Martin St, St Kilda

Please email this on to all your email list - nothing will happen - there will be no promises of immediate good deeds for you or everlasting life or immediate wealth but what we do believe will happen is a lot more people will be warm inside and out this winter.

In anticipation, thanks for your help.

Toni Joel - Andy Dinan - Nicole Ress - Jenn Smorgon - Andrew Blode

If you would like some more information please email them at offyourback@tonic.net.au

25 MAY 2004

$1 MILLION FOR BIKES IN MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL BUDGET

I issued the following press release following Melbourne City Council's decision to support a budget amendment I proposed to commit $1 million to bicycle infrastructure and projects in the city.

Melbourne City Council has committed $1 million each year for the next two years for bicycle infrastructure and projects in its proposed 2004/5 annual budget.

The proposed budget was approved by the Finance, Corporate Services and Governance Committee at Council tonight, and will be distributed for public comment before its final adoption by the Council on 24 June 2004.

Greens Cr. David Risstrom, who rode to the Council meeting on his bicycle, moved the amendment to the proposed budget that was passed by the Committee tonight.

“With petrol prices above $1 a litre and heading for the sky, more and more people will be looking to dust the cob webs off their bikes and use them whenever they can”, said Cr. Risstrom.

“Bikes are a serious form of transport that have got short shrift for too long.  If we can get more people into the city with less impact and with great health and environment benefits to everyone, we’d be mad not to back them”, Cr. Risstrom said.

“The Council’s commitment sends a strong political message that they are serious about creating and funding people’s transport choices”, said Cr Risstrom. 

David Risstrom, who is also the Victorian Greens Lead Senate Candidate said, “Creating and funding transport infrastructure that gives people a choice to use more efficient, less expensive transport modes is something that Federal, State and Local governments should make an absolute priority.  It’s all about making it possible for people to make transport choices that suit them and don’t cost the earth.”

For more information: Cr. David Risstrom    0418 502