NEWS AND VIEWS OF MELBOURNE CITY CR. DAVID RISSTROM: VICTORIAN GREENS LEAD SENATE CANDIDATE
 
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. Rosa last updated this site on 8 October 2004.
30 SEPTEMBER 2004
RUSSIA SET TO RATIFY THE KYOTO CLIMATE CHANGE PROTOCOL - THE HEAT IS ON AUSTRALIA!
The BBC have reported that the Russian government is expected to announce on Thursday that the country will ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Russia's ratification will mean 55 countries covering 55% of the Kyoto target will nave ratified, thus bringing it into effect. Australia and the United States will be the stand out countries, keeping their head in the sand when national leadership is desperately needed. It will also mean Australia will miss out on new industry and trading opportunities that will damage our economy. Greens policy is clear that ratifying Kyoto is a minimum,and much more is needed to avert major damage and disruption that climate change will bring.
The full BBC article is available online at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3702640.stmat.
29 SEPTEMBER 2004
GREENS ONLINE, FAMILY FIRST DIRTY WORK AND DOCTORS HUSBANDS
I issued the following media releases today.
GREENS TAKE FAMILY FIRST 'DIRTY WORK' TO AEC
The Greens Victorian number 1 Senate candidate David Risstrom today said he was very disappointed with the action of the Assemblies of God backed Family First Party in launching a dishonest federal advertising campaign against the Greens.
The Greens have lodged a formal complaint with the AEC and will consider further legal action against Family First today
The advertisements make the deceitful claim that the Greens are "giving my kids easy access to marijuana" and wish to legalize heroin and ecstasy. The claims are blatantly untrue, as the Greens have no such policy of legalizing illegal drugs, and none of the party’s drugs policies are aimed at children.
Risstrom said the Greens have no problem with genuine scrutiny of the party’s policies, but do object to blatant fear mongering and dishonesty from the fledging Family First Party.
"This is a new party that's doing the dirty work of the Howard government," said Risstrom
Greens leader Bob Brown also warned that the real agenda behind Family First was to deliver John Howard complete control of the federal Senate. Senator Brown said he was concerned at the prospect of the Coalition controlling the Senate in partnership with the religious Right.
"They (Family First) are being quite cocky about it, saying they have an arrangement with the Prime Minister," he said. "They are really becoming in this election a central part of the Prime Minister's design to turn the Senate into a rubber stamp."
Risstrom said that the Greens are committed to religious diversity, and the real issue here is dishonesty in advertising.
"It is disappointing that a party putting itself forward as being all about traditional values and honesty would enter the fray with a national advertising campaign based on lies."
"They should be called the Family Second party, because their primary interest seems to be more about spreading lies aimed at damaging the Greens," said Risstrom
Greens national campaign coordinator Andrew Burke will today seek a meeting with the AEC to follow up on the complaint. If the AEC fails to act, the Greens will consider a court injunction.
GREENS FIRST POLITICAL PARTY IN AUSTRALIA TO ADVERTISE THROUGH ONLINE MEDIA
The Greens Victorian number 1 Senate candidate David Risstrom today said he was proud to be part of a forward thinking progressive political party, demonstrating by the Greens willingness to advertise online throughout the 2004 federal election.
“This is a great way to ensure the public have the best opportunity possible to read the parties policies by clicking through to our national website,” said Risstrom.
“It is a direct counter attack to the media misrepresentation of the Greens policies that has occurred in some sections of the media,” said Risstrom.
Greens Bennelong candidate Andrew Wilkie was the first Greens candidate to launch an advertising campaign on the Sydney Morning Herald earlier this month. The Victorian Greens have now launched a series of web advertisements running on The Age website election news pages until election day October 9.
Online political advertising has become very popular in the United States where the political potential of the internet has been more fully utilised in the political sphere.
Early traffic reports indicate the advertisements have generated remarkably high click through rates.
TRADITIONAL LIBERAL SEATS GOING MARGINAL
The traditional Liberal seat of Kooyong in inner east Melbourne is looking increasingly marginal as voters flock to the Greens. But in a twist on the 'Doctors Wives' syndrome, Greens number 1 Senate candidate David Risstrom and Greens Kooyong candidate Peter Campbell partners are both female doctors.
David Risstrom, Greens Victorian lead Senate Candidate stated that “the traditional Liberal seat of Kooyong is going marginal and going Green.”
“The people of Kooyong are sick of being taken for granted by both major parties. Safe seats don’t attract much attention or spending - the major parties tend to lavish all their election goodies only on marginal seats.
“Thankfully, Kooyong is now approaching marginal status, largely due to the rapidly growing Green vote.”
In the 2001 Federal Election, Kooyong had the highest Green vote for any conservative held seat in Australia. Previous Greens Kooyong candidate celebrity philosopher Peter Singer scored a massive 28 percent in the seat in 1994.
Issues turning traditional Liberal voters to the Greens in the area include opposition to Howard's stance on the Iraq war, his demonstrated lack of compassion toward refugees, and dishonesty in government.
“Many people are disenchanted with major party politics and are looking for honesty and integrity in government. Peter Campbell, if elected for Kooyong will provide fresh and accountable representation for Kooyong and its constituents”, Mr. Risstrom said.
“This is not just a ‘doctors wives’ phenomenon, it is large and growing proportion across the entire electorate, including students, professional, parents and the elderly. Doctors Husbands also turning against the Liberals. Many voters eagerly await the Greening of Kooyong” Mr. Risstrom said.
26 SEPTEMBER 2004
NO WAY IN NOWINGI
I will be visiting north west Victoria and the proposed site for the Nowingi waste dump this week as part of my visits across city, rural and regional Victoria. I have put significant work into dealing with the causes and amount of waste we produce, rather than allowing the problem to become a larger and more difficult burden for communities, the environment and future generations.
* As Vice President of the International Council for Local Environment Initiatives, I supported ICLEI's international Ecoprocurement program. Click here for more information.
* As Director of the MAPS purchasing scheme, I introduced green purchasing to the organisation. Click here for more information
* I introduced a Green Purchasing scheme across Australia by brining ICLEI and MAPS together to provide green purchasing to a hundreds of million dollar local government purchasing scheme. Click here for more information
* As Director of the Western Regional Waste Management Group, I worked co-operatively to introduce the potential for integrated waste management across metropolitan western Melbourne as a means of greatly increasing the opportunity for recycling.
* While Chair of the Melbourne City Council Environment Committee, the City of Melbourne became the first Waste Wise municipality in Victoria. Click here for more information
* As Melbourne City Councillor, I introduced the goal of Zero Waste For Melbourne. Click here for more information
As a Victorian Australian Conservation Foundation councillor, I will be presenting the following motion that was forwarded from a community member.
That the ACF opposes the location of the proposed Waste Management Facility at Nowingi. An industrial site located between two national parks is oppositional to the values identified through National Parks, and is contrary to the vision of the local community. The ACF believes that the determination to truck chemical waste 500km from its source creates the potential for subsequent environmental damage. The ACF requests of the Victorian State Government that the decision to locate a Waste Management Facility at the Nowingi site be rescinded due to the inappropriateness of the site. The site has never been gazetted as industrial land; the decision if enacted diminishes the environmental values inherent within the area. Further, the decision to locate such an industrial site was not co-created with local communities, who have demonstrated a clear opposition to the location.
That the ACF will work with local action groups, including Mildura Rural City Council to ensure that a more appropriate location for a Waste Management Facility is established."
25 SEPTEMBER 2004
BROTHERHOOD OF ST LAURENCE ASSESSMENT PLACES GREENS AHEAD ON SOCIAL POLICY
This email was received from the Brotherhood of St. Laurence: I would like to draw your attention to the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s evaluation of the four main parties’ social policies. Our research department has assessed the ALP, Democrats, Greens and Liberal/Nationals Coalition policies on a range of issues including education, aged care, employment, Indigenous Australians and affordable housing. Please find the media release attached. This includes a summary of the findings. The policy evaluation is also posted on our social election campaign website www.AdvanceAustraliaFairly.com.au
The Brotherhood issued the following release:
Major parties fail social policy test
The Brotherhood of St Laurence today accused the major political parties a policy failure in addressing social problems in Australia.
Brotherhood Social Policy Coordinator, Dr Steve Ziguras, says an analysis of the policies of the major parties on employment, social security, housing, education, health and Indigenous Australians reveals, at best, a piecemeal approach to important social issues.
“Australia is crying out for social investment to create a more inclusive society but so far this election has ignored this in favour of tax cuts,” Dr Ziguras says.
“If our leaders really had a social vision, they would be talking about tax as a demonstration of our commitment to each other, not as a burden to be reduced.
“An inclusive Australia requires policies that invest in more affordable childcare, in housing for low-income earners, full time jobs, training and work experience for jobless families, better education opportunities and an overhaul of the family payment system to reduce debt.
“But the major parties seem to be getting things back to front – offering tax cuts then spending what’s left over on services.
“This focus on tax cuts also ignores the fact that Australia is one of the lowest taxed countries in the OECD – yet both parties perpetuate the myth that we have high taxes or that they need to be reduced.”
Dr Ziguras says that while the major parties attempted to improve their policies around health and family payments other areas such as employment and Indigenous Australia suffer from a patchy approach lacking direction and funding details.
“The Coalition and the ALP increased the availability of bulk billing but there was no guarantee that doctors fees would not rise. Labor’s housing policy helps low-income earners but lacks enough funding while the Coalition does not address housing affordability at all for this group of Australians.
“Similarly, the ALP has invested more in the public education system and in dental health services but the Coalition has offered little change to its existing approach,” Dr Ziguras says.
A summary of the Brotherhood’s social policy analysis follows. To view the full policy analysis document go to www.advanceaustraliafairly.com.au.
23 SEPTEMBER 2004
SENATE SET TO BECOME THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS BATTLEGROUND
Greens Senate candidate John Kaye put out the following release on the need for unionists to vote Green in the Senate as a way of avoiding the pragmatic deal preferencing right wing anti-union parties ahead of the Greens.
Senate set to become the industrial relations battleground
Voters should pay careful attention to the impact the next Senate will have on the future of industrial relations in Australia, according to The Greens.
Greens NSW lead Senate candidate John Kaye said "Unprincipled preference deals by both the ALP and the Democrats could result in the election of minor party senators who are hostile to the union movement.
"Whichever party wins government, the Senate will play a key role in determining the future of Australian workplaces.
"John Howard will use his party's launch tomorrow to promise yet another set of attacks on unions.
"The Senate would then be the only hope to block the dismantling of the hard won gains of the union movement and unions themselves.
"Voters need to look carefully not only at the industrial relations policies of each party, but at their group voting tickets.
"ALP and Democrat voters in NSW need to be aware that those parties are directing their Senate preferences to Liberal for the Forests and Christian Democrat Fred Nile. Neither of these small party candidates could be expected to vote against Howard's next round of reforms.
"The Greens Senate preferences lock out the right wing, anti-union parties.
"The Democrats have already passed many of Howard's reforms through the Senate. Labor, under pressure from the business community, has been steadily backing away from any re-regulation of the labour market.
"Greens Senators will work hard to stop any further damage to the ability of unions to protect workers and will be pressuring Labor to go further down the path of undoing the excesses of the last 8 years," Mr Kaye said.
23 SEPTEMBER 2004
MAJOR PARTIES SLOW TO KICK GOALS FOR OUR FORESTS
Only a day away from the big game, the AFL Grand Final , both major parties appear to be caught in the back pocket fumbling the ball on their way to saving jobs and our forests in Tasmania and around Australia. With a front page Tasmanian Mercury article apparently being required before Tasmanian Premier Paul Lennon would meet to discuss Auspine's $450 million investment boost 900 job forestry package, and logging of our Victorian old growth forests for royalties as little as 11 cents per tonne, it appears our environment remains as an expendable election issue, rather than the frail life support system upon which all else depends. I issued these media releases to mark the day. Go Collingwood … (next year?)!
Howard equivocates on forests
David Risstrom No.1 Greens Candidate for the Senate said today “John Howard has recently made some encouraging statements on protecting iconic Tasmanian native forests such as the Tarkine and the Styx, but it looks like he may be now losing his nerve. If Howard caves in on forests due to union and Gunns Limited pressure it will not only be a national disaster, it will be a national disgrace” Mr. Risstrom said.
“If Howard caves in on forests due to union and Gunns Limited pressure it will not only be a national disaster, it will be a national disgrace” Mr. Risstrom said.
“The tired old mantra of ‘jobs before forests’ is simply not valid any more. Chief operations officer Andrew Jakab, from Sawmiller Auspine, has just announced a $450 million plan to reinvigorate Tasmania's forest industry - but he cannot get a politician to even consider it.
“The fact is that there are enough jobs in the plantation and associated value-adding industries to provide employment for the relatively few people engaged in clear felling and woodchipping of native forests. There is also huge potential for employment in forest-based ecotourism - but not if we chop our forests down” Mr. Risstrom said.
“It will be a sad day for our forests if the CFMEU and Gunns Limited get their way and are allowed to destroy what is left of Tasmania’s iconic native forests that are not protected from the ravages of an industry out of control.
“Polls have clearly shown that over 80% of the public want our iconic native forests protected, and that many will consider this when casting their vote.
“Lets hope that the Government and the Opposition both have the vision to protect Tasmania’s iconic forests and put industry on a sound footing for the future based on our burgeoning plantation resources. This is a win-win solution - we just need the political will to implement it” Mr. Risstrom said.
History in the making, as Greens Take Biggest Shot at Goal
Greens number 1 Senate candidate David Risstrom said today that he is expecting a tip top on-field showing for the national green team that is 'nothing less than history in the making'.
Risstrom said that having spent their time in the Local, District and State Leagues, The Australian Greens have clearly reached critical mass in the National League this election. A series of solid on-field performances and several major league election wins in the Federal Senate and the House of Representatives, have catapulted the Greens to national prominence.
"With the prospect of further wins nationally, the Greens are fast becoming crowd favourites. Approaching the final siren, things are going the Greens' way in their stoush against more seasoned opponents.”
"The Greens most senior player, Senator Bob Brown - the star veteran whose career was launched with scrappy, gutsy performances among the forests and rivers of Tasmania - shows every sign leading the team to greater heights,” said Risstrom.
Brown's wiley and youthful Senate vice-captain, Kerry Nettle, has so far demonstrated ample dexterity with the ball and impressive knowledge of the game. She will continue to draw the attention of the commentators with her courage and tenacity in taking the contest to the bigger players.
David Risstrom, the Victorians' first draft pick, is certainly the newcomer to watch. With a solid training record, a fine political pedigree and some impressive wins the in local government league, Risstrom will bring a more strategic edge to the Greens' game plan. Watch out for this contender for the Norm Smith Best and Fairest medal in the Senate.
"Gemma Pinnell, the true dark horse of the team, has so far been underestimated by opponents, but not in this match. She has opposite number Lindsay Tanner running scared on the left wing, and rightly so. Her previous performance in the State League grand final had her close to winning, but she was pipped just before the final siren. This time, with the crowd behind the Greens underdogs, and with a solid support crew behind her, Pinnell's chances of prevailing over her opponent should not be underestimated.”
“Despite major league sledging from the big players - watch this space. Its green grand final history in the making."
22 SEPTEMBER 2004
BALLARAT GREENS OFFICE SEES THE ARRIVAL OF THE KELLY GANG
Over the last two days I have been visiting Seymour, Broadford and Seymour, talking to local shopkeepers, people in the street, and local newspapers and radio. Following two good sessions on Vic wide ABC regional radio and Ballarat 3BA, we launched the Ballarat Greens campaign office in Sturt St. Ballarat. The Greens candidate for Ballarat, Tony Kelly, is a very fine candidate who will serve the people of Ballarat extremely well.
THE GREENS SENATE CANDIDATES SURGE AHEAD IN THE POLLS
I put out the following media release following the release of the Morgan Poll showing Greens support has surged since the last election.
Victorian Greens number 1 Senate candidate David Risstrom today said he was 'very encouraged' by the national Morgan polls indicating surging support for the party.
Today’s Morgan Poll indicated the Greens Senate support to have jumped 7.1 percentage points to 12 percent points, resulting in a potential gain of four Senate seats, including new Greens Senators in Victoria and Tasmania.
In Victoria, the ALP and Liberal / National Party would each win two seats, with the Greens also winning a seat, resulting in the loss of a Liberal National Party Senator. The remaining seat would either go to the ALP or the Australian Democrats, predicts the Roy Morgan Poll.
Mr. Risstrom says that on these figures, the fifth or sixth senate seat in Victoria is now well within the party’s grasp.
“Despite continued criticism of the party from the Howard government, and widespread media scrutiny of the parties policies, public support for the Greens continues to rise,” said Risstrom.
21 SEPTEMBER 2004
GREENS CONDEMN VICTORIAN GOVERNMENTS 'SECRET' GM CROPS
I issued the following media release on the secret the release of genetically modified corn.
The Victorian Greens Number 1 Senate candidate David Risstrom today expressed disappointment in the Victorian government for conducting GM crop trials in secret in rural Victoria.
Despite the Victorian government pledge to extend the moratorium on GM Canola crops in the state for the next four years, it has been revealed that Bayer Crop Science is currently conducting GM trials in secret locations.
“This is an underhanded move that threatens Victoria's GM free status,” said Mr. Risstrom.
“It would seem the government is trying to hide the reality that these trials are going ahead. The Greens want to ask the Victorian government - why the secrecy?”
Mr. Risstrom has joined the Victorian Local Governance Association and environmental groups in calling for the locations of the trials to be made public.
“The Greens are strongly opposed to the implementation of Genetically Modified Crop development in Australia. Those farmers living close-by to the secret GE crops have a right to know what is going on in their neighbourhood,” he said.
The State Government is exercising a double standard in allowing secret plantings of Genetically Engineered Canola to go ahead during the declared four year moratorium period announced earlier this year, he said.
“These plantings of up to 20ha in each location pose a significantly higher risk than the previously approved much smaller field trials by the Gene Technology Regulator. The Gene Technology Regulator did require locations to be disclosed. If it is good enough for the pro GE Federal Government to disclose crop locations, then the Bracks Government must disclose these plantings also.”
“The Greens do not see any benefit from the trials going ahead for this State and wishes to see research dollars directed into truly sustainable agriculture such as organic and integrated pest management systems design. We risk damaging our international reputation as "Clean and Green", an image put forward by the "Naturally Victorian" program of the State Government,” said Risstrom.
20 SEPTEMBER 2004
GREENS SUPPORT INFORMATION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN RENEWABLE ENERGY
The Greens are strong supporters of community involvement in the development of a renewable energy industry.
Our energy policy, established by consensus as a national policy, is to require all States and Territories to prepare plans for wind farms, with full public consultation, identifying prohibited zones in sensitive areas, permit-controlled zones, and as-of-right areas.
The Greens believe it is important to consult with communities about the development of alternative energy and how best to protect our local environments. By consulting and exchanging information, communities, industry and government can make decisions that take into account each other’s views.
The Greens believe development of a renewable energy supply in Australia is very important. Australians are the highest per capita producers of greenhouse gas in the world. If we do not reduce our contribution to climate change, we will risk significant damage to our environment from more severe weather events, reduced rainfall and coastal damage from rising sea levels.
The Greens recognise the social cost of our fossil fuel based power production, with many workers and families past and present being exposed to toxic pollutants causing health ailments such as asthma and cancers. It would be unfair to workers, present and future, to not use cleaner power generation where it is available.
The Australian Greens are working to develop an energy system that meets the needs of present-day Australians without compromising the needs of future generations or the environment.
The Greens believe we can make the transition to ecologically sustainable energy systems with long term planning, research and development, demand management, increased energy efficiency and conservation, and greater use of ecologically sustainable renewable energy sources such as solar, micro-hydro, biomass, wind and wave power. Demand reduction through waste avoidance is a priority. The profound transitions necessary to deliver large scale uptake of sustainable technologies will require additional mechanisms such as energy efficiency standards, least cost planning, pollution caps and carbon levies.
Given the vested interests involved in the fossil fuel industry, it is important that where wind power is being considered, it is based on good planning principles and has the support of the local community.
The Greens energy policy is available as a 580 Kb pdf download as part of our Care for the Earth policy from the Greens website. You can access the website by clicking here: Greens policy.
ACTU RELEASES EXCELLENT 'TALKING POINT' FLYERS
The ACTU has produced a number of flyers to stimulate workplace discussion on election issues of importance to working people. They are called 'Talking Point Flyers' and can be downloaded at the ACTU Election website by clicking on the title on this page.
GREENS CONDEMN DEMOCRAT AND LABOR SUPPORT RELIGIOUS RIGHT
I issued the following press release today.
The Victorian Greens Number 1 Senate candidate David Risstrom today condemned the decision of the ALP and Democrats to preference to the extreme right Family First Party ahead of other progressive parties including the Greens.
Risstrom remains optimistic about picking up a Senate seat in Victoria given the strong statewide support for the Greens and Risstrom's hard work and proven credibility in the community as a former Melbourne City Councillor.
“This will deal a demoralising blow to those Democrat supporters who had remained loyal to the party despite their poor polling. This will lead to those Democrat voters turning to other parties including the Greens.”
“I expect the deal will see ALP votes go to the Greens, as more people vote 1 Green to secure a strong voice in their Parliament.”
The Greens recognise the Australian tradition is about tolerance and acceptance of all religions and all cultures, said Risstrom.
Family First are a religious right grouping who support 'physical punishment' of children, and oppose de facto and gay marriage, as well as opposing euthanasia and abortion rights. Family First is also subject to an undemocratic party structure, in which 12 board members make all the decisions of the party. (Source: Family First website.)
The real choice is between Liberal / Labor domination or having a Victorian Green voice in our parliament.
Those who support real democracy and fairness need to vote 1 Greens on October 9.
For interview contact: James Norman – 0415 248 768
19 SEPTEMBER 2004
EAST TIMOR SEABED BOUNDARY TALKS MUST DELIVER JUSTICE
Justice for East Timor is an extremely important to the Australian Greens. I travelled to East Timor in 1989 in an attempt to meet Xanana Gusmao. Greens Senator Bob Brown issued the following media release ahead of further negotiations between East Timor and Australia.
Negotiations over a new seabed boundary between East Timor and Australia must be settled soon and fairly, which ever party wins the October 9 election, Greens Senator Bob Brown said today.
The next round of talks between East Timor and Australia start in Canberra tomorrow.
"The justice of East Timor's claim to alter the seabed boundary is reaching across the world," Senator Brown said.
"Australia has no business depriving the poorest nation in our region of the resources it can use to pay for essential services and infrastructure like schools, roads, and hospitals.
"Just last week 37 European Union deputies appealed directly to Prime Minister Howard, calling for a 'rapid and just' solution that would guarantee East Timor's rights over its resources.
18 SEPTEMBER 2004
VICTORIAN GREENS SENATE CANDIDATE SET TO BECOME VICTORIA'S FIRST GREEN SENATOR
I issued the following media release following a press conference with Senator Bob Brown on preferences in Victoria.
For the first time ever the Greens have won crucial Labor Senate preferences in Victoria and nationally, ahead of the Democrats, Coalition, One Nation and other significant minor parties.
In addition to the previously announced agreement between the Greens and Democrats to swap Senate preferences ahead of the major parties, it has become even more likely that the Greens will win a Senate seat in Victoria on October 9.
Following the lodgment of Senate preferences at noon today, David Risstrom and Senator Bob Brown announced the outcome of the first stage of preference discussions between the Greens and other parties at a press conference in Melbourne.
David Risstrom is well placed to contest the last two Senate seats in Victoria against the Australian Labor Party and the Coalition.
As Melbourne City Councillor between 1999 - 2004, Risstrom has a proven record of green achievements in areas including water and energy saving, social housing and triple bottom line governance. “I look forward to representing Victoria in our parliament and to bringing my local government experience to green our parliament.”
In recognition of significant Labor policy improvements - better funding for public education, the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, a fairer deal for East Timor, 1,500 GL in environmental flows for the Murray-Darling and a commitment to ratify the Kyoto Protocol - and Labor support with Senate preferences, the Greens have agreed to direct preferences to the ALP in 30 of the key 56 marginal seats across the country.
“I am also happy to put to rest the lie that there is a preference deal in Victoria with the Liberals.”
“On October 9 voters will be reassured by voting 1 Green that the Greens will become a trusted safety net in the Senate,” said David Risstrom.
The Greens will not be directing preferences to the Liberal Party ahead of Labor, said Risstrom.
GREENS WIN VITAL ALP PREFERENCES FOR SENATE
Greens Senator Bob Brown issued the following media release on Green preferences across Australia.
* Greens win vital ALP preferences for Senate
* ALP wins tranche of Green Reps preferences
* Tasmanian Greens concede no preferences
* Democrats prefer Family First to Greens
The Australian Greens have, for the first time ever, won Labor preferences for the Senate in all states and territories ahead of other prime contenders including the Democrats, Coalition, One Nation and Family First, Greens Senator Bob Brown announced in Melbourne this afternoon.
The Greens will direct preferences to Labor ahead of the Coalition in 30 marginal seats on the mainland (see attached) but none in Tasmania. There are 56 marginal seats requiring a swing of 6.5% or less to change hands.
"This is obviously a major boost to Labor's chances of winning government," Senator Brown said.
"It reflects the extra support Labor is promising for public education and health, the promised withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq, a fairer deal for the East Timorese over oil and gas royalties, the return of 1500 gigalitres flow to the Murray and the promised ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.
"The Tasmanian Greens have stood strong for their iconic forests and wildlife, reiterating an earlier decision not to preference Labor or the Coalition.
"The suite of undetermined mainland seats will depend on policy announcements by Labor and the Coalition in the next week.
"The Democrats' preferencing of the extreme right Family First is bizarre. It doesn't bear scrutiny. It will demoralise remaining Democrat voters and turn them to other parties including the Greens," Senator Brown said.
17 SEPTEMBER 2004
MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE THANKS DAVID RISSTROM FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION
Melbourne City Council Chief Executive David Pitchford published the following message to staff following my resignation as a Councillor.
Cr David Risstrom has tendered his resignation from Melbourne City Council in order to stand for election to the Senate in the forthcoming Federal poll.
The positive contributions Cr Risstrom has made to the City have helped to ensure Melbourne is regarded as a global leader in sustainability.
Cr Risstrom was elected to the Melbourne City Council in 1999 and has chaired a number of Council committees and acted as the City’s representative on a number of boards.
As Chair on the Environment, Sustainability and Indigenous Affairs committee and through his work as Council’s representative on ICLEI (International Cities for Local Environmental Initiatives), Cr Risstrom has contributed toward the City’s Zero Net Emissions by 2020, Total Watermark sustainable water management and Triple Bottom Line reporting policies.
He has also worked to progress indigenous reconciliation and has championed the interests of cyclists by advocating for improved facilities.
I’m sure you will join with me in wishing Cr Risstrom well for the future.
16 SEPTEMBER 2004
ABOLISH THE GST ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT - ZONE 3 FAMILY OF FOUR PAYING $540 GST ON TICKETS A YEAR
Bob Brown and I launched the Greens policy of abolishing the GST on public transport fares. A family of four, with one child in primary or secondary school and one dependent at university who have to travel to the City from zone 3 are paying more than $550 a year on GST alone, even using the cheapest options available!
Based on the following calculations, the GST costs $361.80 for two adults and $191:00 for both students:
The GST on each annual zone 1-2-3 adult tickets is $180:90 (on a $1990:00 ticket)
The GST on twelve monthly zone 1-2-3 concession tickets is $91:20 ($7:60 per ticket on twelve monthly $83:70 concession tickets)
The GST on the primary/secondary student card is $0.72 (on an $8:00 card)
The GST on the tertiary student card is $7.90 (on an $87:00 card).
Bob Brown and I issued the following release to launch our policy at Federation Square, opposite Flinders Street Station, which was well attended by media and should make the news tonight.
Make Public Transport GST-Free - Greens
The Greens would take the GST off all forms of public transport, making tram, train, ferry and bus fares 10% cheaper, Greens Senator Bob Brown and lead Victorian senate candidate David Risstrom said in Melbourne today.
Senator Brown said that federal and state governments should share the $350 million annual cost of removing the GST from public transport, including taxis.
"Improving services and making them more affordable is the key to getting passengers out of their cars and onto public transport.
"If one in every six car journeys is shifted onto public transport, Melbourne will be on track to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% said Senator Brown.
Greens Senate candidate, David Risstrom said that Melbourne already has one of the largest rail networks and the potential to build the finest public transport system in the world.
"Taking the GST off public transport means passengers will save $2.50 a week in inner Melbourne, increasing to $5.20 a week for zones 1, 2 and 3. On top of that, we'll have less traffic jams, and greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced around Melbourne."
"Victorians win twice from this Greens initiative, with cheaper tickets and no need to build and pay for more freeways", said Mr Risstrom.
15 SEPTEMBER 2004
BOB BROWN TALKS TASSIE FORESTS WITH DAVID RISSTROM
Bob Brown and I will be talking about the Victorian and Tassie Forests tomorrow night at Storey Hall, RMIT, Swanston St, Melbourne. $5.00/$10.00 proceeds to the campaign.
GREENS TO CLOSE TAX LOOPHOLES TO ADDRESS POVERTY
Poverty and inequality are important issues for those missing out in this election. Greens Senator Kerry Nettle put out the following information on Greens policy for a fairer Australia.
The Australian Greens today announced new measures to address poverty, including a $4.7 billion increase in income support payments funded by closing tax loopholes.
Greens Senator Kerry Nettle said the confusing mix of payments, with differences of as much as $75 a fortnight between the aged pension and unemployment allowance, needed to be streamlined and payments lifted to the pension rate.
With almost one in ten Australians living below the poverty line, Senator Nettle said it was imperative that Australia address poverty as a priority.
“The best way for people to move out of poverty is to find work that is fairly paid but unlike the major parties, the Greens recognise that there are many more people who want to work than there are jobs,” Senator Nettle said.
“There are also many people who are unable to work, because of illness or disability, or who lack skills. Others perform valuable unpaid work, such as carers and volunteers. For some, paid work no longer provides a living wage, with 15% of Australians living in poverty citing wages as their main source of household income.
“These people deserve adequate income support, to ensure that they can meet their basic needs and participate fully in the community.
“The Howard government promised several years ago to look at streamlining income support payments but has failed to act. It has been more concerned with delivering tax cuts to high income earners while Labor’s tax package leaves up to 180,000 low income households worse off.
“The Greens are committed to ensuring that every Australia has enough support to meet their basic needs. Investment in public services and a taxation system that share our nation’s wealth more fairly are vital to achieving this goal.”
14 SEPTEMBER 2004
RISSTROM ON THE MOVE FROM GREENING MELBOURNE TO GREENING VICTORIA
I am resigning from Melbourne City Council today and have issued the following media release.
Greens Melbourne City Councillor David Risstrom will today make the move from Greening Melbourne City Council to Greening Victoria, where as the Greens No. 1 Senate Candidate, he is likely to be elected to the Australian Senate in the Federal election.
Cr. Risstrom was elected to Melbourne City Council in 1999 as Victoria’s first Green politician. Over the last five years Cr. Risstrom has been instrumental in progressing the City of Melbourne as a ‘thriving and sustainable city’ by putting into place a range of policy initiatives, over 70 in all, including
• A $5 million Sustainable Melbourne Fund to finance environmental sustainability.
• Factoring in Economic, Social and Environmental benefits through the introduction of Triple Bottom Line Governance.
• $2 million over 2 years for improved bicycle facilities in the City of Melbourne.
• Accountability through recording of all votes in Council without the need for a division.
• 10,000 Bicycle Parking Spaces in the CBD by 2010.
• Election by international ballot to the International Council for Local Environment Initiatives (ICLEI) and election as Vice President of ICLEI International.
• Car Fleet with average fuel use of 8 litres per 100 km or less.
• Commencing discussions on Aboriginal Reconciliation in the City of Melbourne and the wider community on a land use agreement, treaty and indigenous employment.
• Establishing and convening the Melbourne-wide Metropolitan Environment Forum, increasing co-operation between Councils on the environment.
• Establishing the People's Forums for citizens in the Council Chamber.
• Financial and environmental gains through intelligent water conservation measures, including 40% reductions in water use by 2020 under ‘Watermark’.
• Increased attention to drug problems as a health issue maintaining harm reduction.
• Increasing the proportion of Council decisions made in public by reversing the presumption of ‘closed council meetings’ and use of ‘commercial in confidence’ in tenders.
• Increased attention to drug problems as a health issue.
• Increasing the proportion of Council decisions made in open council meetings
• Stewarding long term sustainable planning though the 50 year ‘Growing Green’.
• Setting and achieving the most ambitious Greenhouse Gas reduction targets in Australia: 30% by Council and 20% by community by 2010.
• Zero Net Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the City of Melbourne by 2020, which he took to APEC and received endorsement for use across all Asia-Pacific cities.
As well as chairing numerous Council committees, Cr. Risstrom has served as Vice President of ICLEI International, Chair of Melbourne Affordable Housing, Metropolitan Transport Forum and Aboriginal Consultative Group, Director of the Western Regional Waste Management Board and MAPS Purchasing Group, and Convener of the Metropolitan Environment Forum.
Cr. Risstrom will resign from Melbourne City Council Tuesday afternoon to campaign for a Senate seat. Cr. Risstrom’s Green Achievements are online at www.davidrisstrom.org/100GA.
For interview contact: David Risstrom, No. 1 Vic Senate Candidate: 0418 502 713.
10 SEPTEMBER 2004
CO-OPERATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE DESPERATELY NEEDED
I wrote the following letter to the editor in response to an article in Friday's Age about a large number of civic leaders who have written to the Prime Minister urging action on climate change.
As reported in Friday’s Age, the call of senior business executives, church leaders, scientists and environmentalists to co-operate on climate change is very welcome. Just this week, chief of Rio Tinto’s global energy business, Preston Chiaro, identified climate change as a deadly threat to humans and the most serious environmental issue facing the world.
Having completed a science honours degree on climate change, I agree and have become impatient with the lack of realism on action to avoid climate change.
I congratulate those civic leaders calling for climate change action. They have shown significant leadership. It is a sign our political leaders should take heed of.
David Risstrom, No. Victorian Greens Senate Candidate
FARMERS AND GREENS CAN BE PARTNERS IN SUSTAINABLE FARMING
I issued the following media releases today on the potential for farmers and Greens to work together for a good future for sustainable farming.
There is plenty of room for the Greens and farmers to work together to address environmental protection,” Greens Senate Candidate David Risstrom said today.
Commenting on the call in the Financial Review by the National Farmer’s Federation for government support to farmers for environmental protection work, Councillor Risstrom agreed that sustainable farming is in Australia’s national interests.
“The NFF is on the right track in saying that farmers need to be supported in the work that they are doing in conservation and clearing weeds. The Greens policy is that the only way to address the sheer scale of environmental work that is needed is for the government, farming and other industry and the community to work together.”
“The NFF is also right in identifying the need to maintain the priority of services for in rural and regional Australia, Councillor Risstrom added. Greens policy recognises that healthy farming communities are integral to getting decent, sustainable farming practice. The Greens want to see a community driven model of land management and care that builds further on the success of present approaches such as Landcare.”
“Greens also will provide support to rural communities to help them cope with the social consequences of land use change. Part of that support is obviously making sure that governments remember that farms are located in communities that need access to the kinds of services that the rest of Australia enjoys.”
‘Basically, Greens want to foster and encourage sustainability and that means fostering and working with the communities that are involved,” Councillor Risstrom said.
“It also means that we will need to pay serious attention to trade agreements like the FTA and national competition policies that set farmers against each other – to the detriment of their communities and at the expense of the environment.”
9 SEPTEMBER 2004
GREENS CONDEMN JAKARTA BOMB OUTRAGE
I wrote the following letter to the editor in response to an article in Friday's Age about a large number of civic leaders who have written to the Prime Minister urging action on climate change.
The Jakarta terror attack on the Australian embassy is an horrific indicator of both Jemaah Islamiyah's evil and its continued capability, Greens Senator Bob Brown said today.
"This is a shocking event. Our sympathy goes to the relatives of the Indonesians who have been killed and to the scores of people injured," Senator Brown said.
"The task ahead is to build our relationship with the Indonesian government and people and to cement our common union against terrorism.
"Building cooperation and relations with the nations of our Asia-Pacific neighbourhood is essential in combating the common threat of terrorism," Senator Brown said.
This morning Senator Brown held talks with former Office of National Assessments senior analyst in Canberra Andrew Wilkie and this afternoon he will be briefed by ONA director general, Peter Varghese.
ROSA'S ROLE OUTED IN THE AGE: WOOF
The good works of my four footed friends were outed in Annabel Crabb's Politics column in The Age. I have been doing most of the tapping of the keyboard recently, as the election has made Rosa too busy to get her nails clipped, thus making typing very difficult. If you want to get in touch with Rosa, please email her at rosa@davidrisstrom.org: David
Woof, click, dribble, woof: Rosa.
8 SEPTEMBER 2004
CLIMATE AND FORESTS MAJOR ISSUES FOR ELECTION AND THE PLANET
I issued the following media releases today on forests and climate change issues.
Rio Tinto Says Climate Change the World’s Most Serious Environmental Issue
The Greens welcome the Rio Tinto view that climate change is a deadly threat to humans and “the most serious environmental issue facing the world.”
Victorian Greens Senate Candidate Cr. David Risstrom said today that comments by the chief of Rio Tinto’s global energy business, Preston Chiaro, reported in Wednesday’s Age are a welcome and honest position.
Councillor Risstrom congratulated Mr. Chiaro for providing the global perspective on long term threats to human security that both of the major parties appear unable or unwilling to grasp.
“Many of Australia’s political leaders seem to see security as something that can be achieved through more miniaturization, more conflict and more escalation when in fact the real security threat will come when climate change begins to bite. That is when we will see dramatic changes to local weather and rainfall patterns in Victoria, increases in the intensity, frequency and damage from storms and storm intensity and damage to buildings as soil moisture changes.”
“The threat to international security will come when overseas countries find that floods and drought reduce the availability of land and food security. The threat to communities will come when they face increasing shortages of water.”
“At the same time that the present Government is running its line on border security it has its head in the sand about where the long term threats are. It needs to consider how it wants to be remembered – as the government of short term expediency or one of long term responsibility.”
“Australian Greens policy is to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 and immediately ratify the Kyoto Protocol.”
“The Greens want Australian leaders to take their collective heads out of the sand and acknowledge that what is needed is less not more – less denial about climate change, less greenhouse gas, less reliance on fossil fuels and less stalling on Kyoto.”
For more information, please contact: Simon Lansdown, Media Officer, Telephone: 0415 535 564 or Cr. David Risstrom, No. 1 Vic Senate Candidate: 0418 502 713.
Green Voters Driving Forest Protection Outcomes
Victorian Greens No 1 Senate candidate and Melbourne City Councillor David Risstrom welcomes recent comments by Mark Latham, John Howard, Malcolm Turnbull and Senator Bill Heffernan that Tasmania’s old growth forests must be protected.
“This clearly demonstrates that the large and growing number of people voting for Greens policies on protection of old growth and high conservation value forests are driving political change, and that a vote for the Greens is not wasted”, said Cr Risstrom.
“While these recent comments are a major step forward, the Greens reserve final judgment until both Labor and Coalition forest policies are announced, as both parties have a history of supporting ongoing destruction of our remaining pristine forests” said Cr Risstrom.
“While these recent comments are a major step forward, the Greens reserve final judgment until both Labor and Coalition forest policies are announced, as both parties have a history of supporting ongoing destruction of our remaining pristine forests” said Cr Risstrom.
“Independent polling has shown that over 80 percent of Australians want old growth forests protected and an immediate end to clear-felling. It is encouraging that our political leaders are at last acknowledging this fact".
“In May 2004, the Australian Greens released a comprehensive brief on forests, jobs and the wood products industry in Tasmania, which details how we can protect our forests and provide for alternative regional employment in the plantation-based industries and eco-tourism. We only need the political will to implement these solutions", said Cr Risstrom.
“Environment groups such as The Wilderness Society, the Australian Conservation Foundation and Greenpeace also endorse and support the protection of old growth and high conservation value forests with new National Parks and World Heritage Areas. There is now a loud chorus for major change in forest policy".
“With a close election result predicted, Green votes in marginal seats could determine the outcome. Many Green voters will be looking closely at Labor and Coalition policies on forests, and will be wary of attempts by either party to “greenwash” themselves by offering unsatisfactory compromises".
“In Victoria, we also need to immediately protect our unique old growth forests and stop logging in Melbourne’s water catchments".
"I call on both major parties to provide the protection for our forests that they deserve and the public is demanding, or suffer the consequences at the ballot box” said Cr Risstrom.
7 SEPTEMBER 2004
'DEMOCRACY 4 SALE' WEBSITE LAUNCHED
The Greens have launched their new donations website, www.democracy4sale.org At last, you can find out who is making big donations to the main political parties at the press of a button.
Follow the money trail of over $100,000,000 of donations made to political parties since 1999 (when the Australian Electoral Commission first started recording them electronically).
Until now, this information has only been made public on the Australian Electoral Commission's website as a series of static forms that could not be searched using a database. The public had no way of looking at a company's donations at a single glance, or of knowing what business a company was in.
Now, you can find out how much an individual, company or organisation has donated by just typing in their name and clicking Search.
Greens members have spent thousands of hours researching these companies to find out what industry they belong to. Every donor company has been assigned to an industry category, such as Clubs & Hotels, Property Developers or Media.
You can select an industry category, click Search, and see every donation made by the companies in that industry.
Democracy4sale helps the community to better understand how the major parties are selling off our democracy. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to find out who is buying influence with our politicians.
Please pass on this announcement to any groups you are in or people you know who you believe would be interested in www.democracy4sale.org.
6 SEPTEMBER 2004
BROTHERHOOD OF ST LAURENCE: THIS ELECTION VOTE FOR 'SOMEONE ELSE'.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence is entering the 2004 election arena with an Advance Australia Fairly campaign for government policies that include all Australians.
The Brotherhood is opposing the exclusion of millions of Australians from full time jobs, affordable housing, quality aged care and education opportunities.
“Our Advance Australia Fairly campaign is asking Australians to think about someone other than themselves when they go to the polling booth,” Dr Stephen Ziguras, Brotherhood of St Laurence Research and Policy Manager said today.
“’Someone else’ is one of the 880,000 Australians who want a full time job but can’t get one. It’s one of the 1.2 million Australians who can’t afford to rent or buy a home.”
Dr. Ziguras says the gap between rich and poor has grown dramatically with the result that many well-off Australians do not realise that thousands of people are excluded by disadvantage.
“After 20 years of economic restructuring, we must now invest in people and services so that all Australians have an equal chance to realise their potential and enjoy a decent quality of life.”
The Brotherhood’s campaign is taking to the streets to oppose the social exclusion which happens when people or areas suffer from a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, low incomes, poor housing, bad health, family breakdown and high crime environments.
“We are campaigning for policies of social inclusion which mean access to an adequate income, a decent job, affordable housing and health services, quality aged care and better education opportunities.”
The Advance Australia Fairly campaign includes street posters and bumper stickers carrying the slogan ‘This election vote for someone else’ and a website www.AdvanceAustraliaFairly.com (goes live Wednesday 8 September). It also urges a vote for people needing full time work, affordable housing, aged care and educational opportunities.
2 SEPTEMBER 2004
VICTORIAN STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCORD
A number of years ago I established the Metropolitan Environment Forum with the assistance of Melbourne City Council. Today, largely due to work initiated and followed through by Phil Johnstone, various local government organisations and the State Government signed the Local Government Environment Accord as a foundation for future action. The local government groups that are signatory to the Accord are the Metropolitan Environment Forum, The Municipal Association of Victoria, the Victorian Local Governance Association and the International Council for Local Environment Initiatives.
GREENS MEAN BUSINESS
Greens Senator Bob Brown issued the following media release today.
The Greens are pleased by the Business Council of Australia's prediction of an extra three to five senators after 9 October, Greens Senator Bob Brown said today.
"The Greens' economic policies are coherent and environmentally, socially and fiscally responsible," Senator Brown said.
"The Business Council should look at the Greens' stoic insistence on tough budget measures in Tasmania from 1989-92 to see how sensible we are as managers.
"Business has to understand that this century is about full-cost recovery, including externalities such as waste and pollution - carbon taxes might be new to the Business Council but are commonplace in Europe.
"Our policies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy will put Australia at the forefront of the fastest growing industries in the world, and decrease our dependence on increasingly expensive oil.
"Australia's tax levels are low by world standards and expenditure on public services, like education, and infrastructure like rail and public transport lags international standards.
"The Greens stand for fair taxes and decent levels of public service, starting with redirecting the government's $14.7 billion tax cuts for high income earners to public health and education, including the abolition of HECS.
"We oppose the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement because it will hit Australian manufacturing for six as well as putting agriculture at risk from weakened quarantine standards.
"The Greens policies are good for business and jobs and I'm glad the Business Council has finally twigged that there is a robust, ethical new force in politics with growing public support.
"The Business Council should lift its ethical approach: the Greens recommend a corporate tax rate of 33%, not 49%; the BCA uses 49% in its report but, in an annotation, recognises the correct figure is 33%," Senator Brown said.
Senator Brown said he hopes to have future talks with the Business Council.
1 SEPTEMBER 2004
BUILDING PATHWAYS ORATION WITH BILL DEANE AND PAT DODSON AT MELBOURNE TOWN HALL
I had the good fortune to attend a public meeting at the Town Hall to hear people talk about things that matter. Former High Court Judge Bill Deane and Aboriginal Statesman Pat Dodson spoke to building pathways. I have recorded a few of the comments made at that meeting to the best of my ability, though I don't guarantee my recording to be word perfect, and represents only a few remarks from longer speeches.
Brian Dawe: There is never a shortage of people telling indigenous people to solve their problems.
Bill Deane: Former High Court Judge
National truth and decency cannot be indefinitely denied.
Unless one is prepared what is bad or evil in the past, one can never properly face or adequately assess its consequences.
At the national level, we seem to have reached a blind alley. We must work together to build new pathways and bridges.
The result of the failure to reach consensus means the overall search for true reconciliation remains unfulfilled at the national level.
An aboriginal baby born today will have a life expectancy of approximately 20 years less. A girl 19 less. A boy approximately 21 years less. The discrepancies in comparable countries, New Zealand and Canada are about one third less.
As Mick Dodson described it, “A certain kind of industrial deafness has developed.”
My personal hope is that there is a National Reconciliation Convention to make the 40th anniversary of the 1967 referendum.
Pat Dodson: First Chairman Council for Reconciliation.
This is what reconciliation offers us: the coming together as one but within the recognition of our reality and individuality.
Simplistically some blame us for our social condition.
The indigenous family in its extended and complex form is central to our feeling of community.
To persistently undermine and undervalue the values held by aboriginal people is to systematically destroy a society and its richness
Society has been well informed about these things, but continue to deny their existence.
The path to reconciliation in the future has to reconcile these sorry facts.
I would not expect aboriginal people to be as welcome to anew process of reconciliation as much as they had been in the past.
Extinguishing bucket loads of native title is demonstrative of people not in sync with their liyan.
The living descendants of land over which native title as been extinguished, consider themselves to be extinguished, because there is a fundamental connection with the land that is what is involved.
We now have the tension between the government policy of empowerment and self-determination.
We are still second class citizens without the full benefits that citizenship should employ.
In many aspects of life in this country, very little has changed for aboriginal people.
Common Fate has a vision of indigenous people being contributors at every level of Australian society.
Many Australians has embraced the dream of a reconciled Australia. We have begun a great march. This is people moment in action. Whatever we do in times to pass, let us be resolute in making reconciliation a reality.
GREENS PLEDGE TO INTRODUCE ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT WITH GENUINE PROGRESS INDICATORS TO COMMONWEALTH
I issued the following press release on 31 August ahead of the national accounts being published today.
Greens Senate Candidate for Victoria, Cr. David Risstrom, has pledged to present a bill that requires the economic, social and environmental implications of proposed laws to be identified and genuine progress indicators to be published.
Cr. Risstrom said, “As Melbourne City Councillor, I introduced triple bottom line governance to the City of Melbourne in 1999, which is now operating and leading Australian government practice.
“Triple bottom line governance considers the economic, environmental and social implications of decisions, rather than the ‘single economic bottom line’.
“It is time the Federal Parliament was given the opportunity to understand the real world impact of the legislation before they passed it.
Cr. Risstrom also pledged to seek the adoption of Genuine Progress Indicators to measure the real progress of Australian society, rather than reliance on Gross Domestic Product alone.
“There is strong evidence, as Australia Institute research shows, of a growing disjunct between purely economic measures such as Gross Domestic Product and the reality that Genuine Progress Indicators illustrate.
Making decisions solely on economic criteria may be easier, but risks distorting and leaving public policy out of touch with reality. The Alaskan Exxon Valdez’s oil spill contribution to the USA’s GDP is an excellent example.
“Growth at the expense of the environment is unsustainable. Nor does it extend people’s wellbeing. Our National Accounts figures released today should reflect this”, Cr. Risstrom concluded.
I wrote the following opinion piece on the same issue, with the assistance of Mark Jeanes, ahead of the national accounts being published tomorrow.
WHO IS ACCOUNTING FOR REALITY IN THE NATIONAL ACCOUNTS?
Do the Greens have a secret supporter in Ken Henry, the highly respected Secretary to the Federal Treasury?
In a surprise speech in Sydney last month, Mr Henry lifted the lid on Treasury’s recently developed approach to public policy named the “wellbeing framework”. The audience could have been forgiven for thinking they were in a Greens policy workshop.
The wellbeing framework, he said, now underpins Treasury’s advice on public policy. Treasury’s main objective was “strong, sustainable economic growth and the improved wellbeing of the Australian people”.
At the heart of the wellbeing framework is the notion that economic growth, as measured by GDP, is unable to ensure the wellbeing and happiness of the Australian people.
The Greens have had this as a central tenet of their policy since day one. Mr. Henry’s speech was important because it demonstrated these ideas are mainstream - hardly the stuff of a bunch of radicals.
These ideas are not new and the Greens do not take credit for them. Mr Henry referred to two old Treasury policy extracts from 1964 and1973 entitled “Economic Growth: is it worth having”. It said, “quality of life appears to cover a miscellany of desirable things not recognised in the marketplace”, enjoyment of wilderness, wildlife, clean air and water, recreation, health and education”.
Mr Henry continued: “It seems probable that a concern with the wellbeing of the Australian people has been central to the Treasury’s mission for a very long time." But he admitted, "Yet we do not have a single quantifiable indicator that provides a measure of progress against the wellbeing objective”.
GDP as the sole measure of progress is severely flawed. Greater sophistication is needed.
As Melbourne City Councillor, I introduced triple bottom line governance to the City of Melbourne in 1999, which is now operating and leading Australian government practice.
As Greens Senator for Victoria, I will present a bill that requires the economic, social and environmental implications of proposed laws to be identified.
There is strong evidence, as Australia Institute research shows, of a growing disjunct between GDP and the reality that Genuine Progress Indicators illustrate. Making decisions solely on economic criteria may be easier, but risks distorting and leaving public policy out of touch with reality. The Alaskan Exxon Valdez’s oil spill contribution to GDP is an excellent example. Measures such as the Genuine Progress Indicator and approaches developed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) should be used to inform government decisions before they are taken.
Successive Governments, including Mr Henry’s current bosses, have failed to implement indicators that could better measure the wellbeing of the Australian community.
Growth at the expense of the environment is unsustainable. Nor does it extend people’s wellbeing. The Greens believe in sustainable growth. Some anti-Green folk peddle the myth we are anti-growth. This is a lie. Like Mr Henry, who is against ‘growthmanship’ the Greens do not believe an increase in GDP should be an end in itself. Our National Accounts figures released today should reflect this.
31 AUGUST 2004
LIBERALS, HERALD SUN FIT UP GREENS
The Victorian Greens have received a document that has an uncanny similarity to the false and silly claims made by John Howard and the Herald Sun about the Greens.
The front page of the document is titled with the Greens logo followed by 'Environmentalists or just radical social engineers. It is further titled 'The Greens Background Paper: A critique of the Greens misguided contribution to Australian politics, their radical policies and some questions dealing with the illogical and inconsistent nature of policies that would change Australia forever. The bottom banner says "Prepared by the Victorian Division of the Liberal Party - August 04".
The document includes a copy of a letter purported to be on Liberal Party letterhead from Julian Sheezel, State Director, which states "Greens policies would be a disaster for Australia - the increases in taxation and regulation would kill economic growth, cost Australians thousands of jobs and destroy our way of life. The policies demonstrate the inability of the Greens to develop a coherent set of ideas that would not bankrupt Australia - both economically and socially. The purpose of this document is to provide Liberal Party Members with an overview of the Greens' policies to assist in combating that party's most radical economic and social views."
A major problem is that many of the claims about in the document are wrong. The Greens policy of treating personal drug use as a health issue is progressive. The current approach of treating personal drug use as a criminal issue has not delivered improvements for individuals or society. Senior members of the policing, legal and medical community agree that a new approach is needed. What the Greens advocate is exploring the options to achieve better outcomes.
Another laughable claim is titled "An Inability to Play A Constructive Role" which includes the statement, "In 2003, votes were called 162 times in the Senate. On these occasions the Greens voted with the Government on only 2.5% of the votes. This compares with the following voting record of the other Senate parties and independents: Labor 51.9% of the time; Len Harris (One Nation) 33.3% of the time; Brian Harradine (Ind) 32.1% of the time; Meg Lees (APA) 31.5% of the time; Shayne Murphy (Ind) 25.3% of the time; Democrats 15.4% of the time."
It is very telling that the Liberal Party's definition of 'a constructive role' appears to solely be to agree with them.
Greens Senator Bob Brown issued the following media release on this disgraceful episode.
LIBERAL, HERALD SUN FIT UP GREENS
In a dirty tricks start to the Howard government's campaign, the Prime Minister's fake claim of 'kooky' Greens' drugs policy yesterday has been followed up by:
* A Victorian Liberals dossier with false claims on the Greens drugs and other policies; and,
* The Melbourne Herald Sun following suite with a story which is concocted to be anti-Green. The newspaper did not contact Senator Brown about the story but took comments from the pro-Liberal Institute of Public Affairs.
Releasing the Greens across-the-board policy volume today, Greens Senator Bob Brown said the Liberals and Herald Sun claim on Greens drug policy are wrong and deliberately aimed to deceive voters.
Senator Brown challenged the Prime Minister to a debate on all policies including drugs.
The Greens, like a number of senior police and medical experts, back a policy of harm minimisation with drugs. This includes medically-controlled access to drugs because it reduces the damage to both user and wider society.
Senator Brown said the Herald Sun's Gerard McManus had misinformed readers in a way which indicates the Murdoch press has gone beyond critic to concoct false policy in its anti-Green bias.
30 AUGUST 2004
JEWISH BUND MEETING UNEXPECTEDLY LIGHT ON CANDIDATES
I attended by invitation a Jewish Bund meeting on Saturday to present the Greens policies and our view of the world if the Greens were in power. I had expected to be sharing the platform with the member for Melbourne Ports, Michael Danby. Unfortunately Michael chose not to attend the function at the last minute, due to picketing of the meeting by representatives of the Citizens Electoral Council.
I received the following from email today Sol Salbe with the following disclosure: The writer is a member of The Victorian Greens but wrote this in a personal capacity. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Greens or any other organisation that the writer belongs to. (HaMerkaz HaIsraeli, AJDS etc)
DANBY RUNS AWAY FROM ELECTORAL CONFRONATION
Michael Danby's self confidence has been called into question following his last- minute decision not to attend a debate with a political opponent. Danby, the Federal member for Melbourne Ports was to attend a forum entitled "Who should the Jewish Left vote for?" His debating opponent was David Risstrom, the Greens Senate candidate for Victoria.
The public meeting on Saturday 28 August was organised by the Jewish Labour Union - the Bund. It was publicly advertised in the Australian Jewish News. The advertisement attracted what the organisers called unwelcome guests: about ten members of the Citizens Electoral Council who set up a picket in the front.
The CEC antisemitic cult-like politics are such that they have been removed from public events organised by the Victorian Peace Network and other progressive organisations. It appears as if the Bund members present were unaware of this practice and allowed them in.
Nevertheless, this was deemed a good enough excuse by Danby, who citing the possibility of a violent confrontation informed the organisers that he would not be attending. The politics of the Australian followers of Lyndon LaRouche are objectionable but they do not have a track record of violence. As visiting Yachad activist Zvi Solow remarked "Violence? This place is right next door to a police station!"
A far more likely reason was Danby disinterest in the Jewish Left. Having made Israel the central plank of his platform he wasn't interested in issues such as the environment, tax policy, education, James Hardy and the Timor gap to mention but a few that were discussed.
The Greens candidate took full advantage of the situation and made a point of not pandering to any pre-conceived audience wishes. Whether it was defence spending or Israel, Risstrom emphasised that he wasn't trying to please his audience. [The sole question on Israel came from an ALP member of the audience.]
It would have been interesting to ask Danby about similar issues. (Does he support the unconditional withdrawal from Iraq by Christmas?) But by running away he avoided giving us the answer.
Danby feels that he can take the Left votes for granted. Even if Jewish and non-Jewish supporters of the Left gave the first preference to the Greens their final vote would be parked with Danby. He can thank David Southwick's strategy for that. His attacks on Michael Danby may well prise away some in the community who voted for the incumbent despite his party affiliation. But the Liberals have forced the hand of leftist voters who would balk at voting for Danby.
The present writer has certainly been privy to discussions among Palestinians and their supporters about a campaign directed specifically at Michael Danby. There were many who advocated giving preferences to the Liberals. Southwick's recent performance has just about nullified such moves.
The idea of "Palestinian supporters for Danby" is at this stage far fetched but the incumbent feels that he doesn't have to bother turning up to meeting that he's committed himself to. The Liberal Party on the other hand will make good use of his chickening out. What slogan will do use? No doubt someone is dusting off the old "lacking ticker about his own convictions" right now.
29 AUGUST 2004
OCTOBER 9 FEDERAL ELECTION
John Howard has called the election for October 9 2004. I issued the following release today in response.
Victorian Greens welcome election announcement
The announcement today by the Prime Minister John Howard of an 9 October election is his attempt to avoid scrutiny of the children overboard affair in parliament said Australian Greens Senate candidate for Victoria David Risstrom.
David Risstrom, the No 1 Senate candidate for Victoria, represents the best chance for a Victorian Green to be elected to federal parliament. The Greens support is stronger now and than in any previous election and many political commentators are saying that Cr Risstrom is likely to get elected.
“The Greens welcome the announcement of an October 9 election and will hold the Prime Minister to account over his past actions including the children overboard affair and Iraq”.
“John Howard's call today to dissolve parliament is his attempt to avoid difficult questions in parliament over the next two weeks”.
“He knows the Australian public want him to tell the truth about the children overboard and this is his attempt to avoid that scrutiny”.
“Voters want parliamentarians with integrity and that are honest. This is why Greens support is growing. The Greens offer voters integrity and honesty. People see Senator Bob Brown, Senator Kerry Nettle and Michael Organ in parliament and know they can trust them to keep their word”.
“The Greens represent the only real and effective alternative in Australian federal parliament”, said Cr Risstrom.
In the words of Greens Senator Bob Brown, Greens welcome spring election, as the following media release describes.
"This is a spring election and Australia will turn Green," Greens Senator Bob Brown said in Canberra today.
"We will campaign strongly for better finding of public education and health, a healthier environment and a much more positive foreign affairs face to the world.
"We have winnable senate teams in all states and territories and great candidates for lower house seats across the nation."
Senator Brown said that many voters will find the Prime Minister's refusal to face parliament this week the hallmark of a loser.
"But Mark Latham is offering no comprehensive change or outlook for Australia. By contrast, the Greens will campaign for:
* redirection of the $14.7 billion income tax cuts for the rich to public health, education, housing and transport;
* protecting the Australian parliament's sovereignty by rejecting the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement;
* the withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq;
* immediate protection of Tasmania's iconic forests and wildlife;
* creation of thousands of new jobs in renewable energy; aiming at 20% of electricity production by 2020.
"In 2004, for the first time, more than one million Australians will vote Green," Senator Brown said.
FEDERAL ELECTION SPECULATION HELPS HOWARD KEEP IN THE NEWS
The unfortunate fact that the Federal election will be held when John Howard considers it to be in his best interests has allowed him to play a game of cat and mouse with the Australian public, and in doing so, keep the news focus on him.
Australia needs fixed term elections that will bring certainty to electoral cycles. The games the Prime Minister is playing are at the expense of making stable government decisions and allows the political party in power to guide the machinery of Government to its own purposes.
Greens policy is for greater certainty through fixed term election that allows the Australian public to know ahead of time how long they can expect their elected representatives to serve them and when it is time to vote them out.
28 AUGUST 2004
GREENS FEAR ELECTION CAMPAIGN DOMINATED BY TAX-CUT ACTION
NSW Greens Senate candidate John Kaye issued the following media release on the shameful use of our taxpayer money to provide tax cuts only to those earning $52,000 or more. It was John Howard who said previously that he would govern 'for all of us'. Perhaps times (and attitudes) have changed?
The major parties will seek to turn the coming election campaign into a tax-cut auction, The Greens warned today.
A Greens conference of 120 delegates from across NSW today rejected John Howard‚s $14.7 billion income tax giveaway to well-off Australians, calling for the money to be spent on improving the nation's public services.
"Labor's tax policy is clearly going to dominate several weeks of the coming election campaign, and that's bad news for Australia's under-funded public services,‰ said Greens NSW Senate candidate John Kaye.
"Both the Coalition and Labor are likely to lock themselves into still more promises of income tax cuts, at the expense of an urgently needed funding boost for public education, health, transport, housing and the environment.
"The Greens believe that improving public services is a more just use of public money than giving income tax cuts to just 11% of wealthiest Australians.
"Better public services not only help the most disadvantaged members of society, who will inevitably miss out on tax cuts, but will also build a more secure future for all Australians and the environment.
"The Howard Government‚s Budget income tax cuts, supported by Labor, went to those earning $52,000 or more. Almost 60% of Australian families were left out.
"The Greens call on all parties to focus this election campaign on building better public services that benefit all Australians, instead of offering yet more wasteful and misdirected income tax cuts," said Mr Kaye.
25 AUGUST 2004
HICKS TRIAL DISGRACEFUL
I did a doorstop interview with Senator Bob Brown in the Treasury Gardens Greens speaking to the press release reproduced below, calling for a fair and democratic trial for Australian citizen David Hicks in Guantanamo Bay.
The Military Commission trying Australian David Hicks in Guantanamo Bay is a disgraceful process lacking domestic or internationally recognised fair process, Greens Senator Bob Brown said in Melbourne today.
"The Military Commission seriously cuts down a defendant's rights and has no appeal to the US or Australian courts. Mr Howard's endorsement is an indicator of how far the Howard government in future might abolish fundamental legal rights," Senator Brown said.
The Greens have consistently put the position that David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib should be repatriated and charged before the Australian courts, a position Senator Brown put to George W. Bush directly in the Australian parliament on 23 October 2003.
"US detainees have been repatriated to the US to face American courts," Senator Brown said.
"Howard has failed to get such repatriation where half a dozen other countries, including Denmark, Spain, France and Britain have succeeded," Senator Brown said.
24 AUGUST 2004
NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP NOT AN OPTION
I issued the following media release today. My Green policy to confirm Melbourne as a 'Nuclear Free Melbourne' was passed by the Council in June 2002.
Reports that the Federal Government is considering a medium-level nuclear waste dump for Victorian sites require three responses:
• The government should publish the list of sites it has considered.
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