Greens E-Brief #294 - 19 April 2012

If you are having difficulty reading this E-brief please click here.

This E-brief contains information about the activities of Greens NSW MPs. It also contains events happening over the next month.

Events listed in this email are for information only and do not imply endorsement by the Greens NSW or Greens members of parliament.

This Issue:

1. From the offices of Greens MPs in NSW

2. Coming events involving Greens
3. What's on?
4. Hot website tips
5. Current campaigns
6. Positions Vacant
7. Submitting items for E-Brief
8. Contact the Greens NSW

From the offices of Greens MPs in NSW
 

Cate Faehrmann MLC

www.catefaehrmann.org
Facebook
Follow Cate on Twitter
cate.faehrmann@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Ph 9230 2320 Fax 9230 2420
Media: Peter Stahel Ph 0433 005 727

Fair Go On Fares
Did you know that in NSW, the unemployed are denied access to the most useful public transport concessions? Cate has begun the 'Fair Go On Fares' campaign to allow Centrelink Job Seekers to use MyMulti and Weekly concessions. Visit the campaign page to get involved. There are also colour leaflets available for handing out at your local train station. Please contact Cate's office if your group would like some.

Ban the Bag in NSW
Cate's office will soon kick start a campaign to ban single use plastic bags in NSW. First off the rank are these bumper stickers. To see a preview click here. If you'd like some, email cate.faehrmann@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Radioactive waste scare
Back in 1980, a truck carrying radioactive and other chemical waste crashed just north of Port Macquarie. Waste from the accident was buried on site, and confusion about the final resting place of the radioactive material was punctuated by allegations of a cover up from a local medical professional. Now fast forward to 2012, when Pacific Highway upgrade workers uncovered the burial site and immediately become sick. Cate has questioned why the rebadged Roads and Maritime Services wasn't prepared to uncover this toxic site. Stay tuned while the EPA conducts further testing to determine whether any of the radioactive waste remained on site. Read more and listen to Cate on 2ue here.

Newcastle Port T4 expansion – submissions needed!
The Greens oppose the massive T4 Project expansion of Newcastle Port on many grounds including that it will devastate local wetlands and because it is intrinsically linked to the expansion of coal mining in the Hunter Valley. Without this expansion there would be no need for T4. The project is currently on exhibition and submissions are needed. Find information and tips for your submission on Cate's website here. Cate, Jeremy and the Newcastle Greens held a community forum to prepare for the submission period.

Transport Masterplan – Greens forums begin
Cate's forums to encourage participation the government's Transport Masterplan process have begun. Two successful workshops were held in Coffs Harbour and Lismore. Further workshops will be held in Yass, Illawarra, Canada Bay, Balmain, Bankstown and Ryde. For more information contact gail.broadbent@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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David Shoebridge MLC

www.davidshoebridge.org.au
david.shoebridge@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Follow David on Twitter
Join David on Facebook
Phone: 9230 3030

Airport mess proves there is no strategic planning for Sydney
The recent stoush between State and Federal Governments on the location for a new airport in Sydney has exposed the lack of strategic planning from this government, particular with its developer driven release of residential subdivisions on Sydney's fringes. The absence of strategic planning means land releases are conflicting with infrastructure needs across the State.  This will likely leave Sydney with more and more long haul flights from Kingsford Smith airport and a poorly located and underperforming second airport taking smaller regional and budget carriers.  This would be a long term disaster for Sydney residents with ever increasing aircraft noise and pollution.  Media Release.

Penalty notice scheme in urgent need of reform
David has been driving a campaign for reform of the State's penalty notice scheme. The scheme issued 2.8 million infringement notices in the 2010/11 financial year. The penalties that apply are confusing and often do not reflect the seriousness of the offence – for instance the fine for swearing on a railway station ($400) exceeds the fine for endangering peoples’ lives by driving through a red light ($353). Vulnerable groups like juveniles, the mentally ill and indigenous people are unfairly impacted by the penalty notice scheme which needs root and branch reform. The Law Reform commission report on penalty notices is available here. Media Release.

Justice for victims of sexual abuse
David continues to campaign for justice for victims of sexual abuse at the hands of the Catholic Church. This week he joined with victims groups to call for a Parliamentary Inquiry into how religious organizations in NSW have managed allegations of abuse. The call follows the announcement in Victoria of an inquiry into abuse in that State. Media Release.
 
Learn more about our work at our website or sign up to our mailing list.

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Jamie Parker

http://www.jamieparker.org.au/
balmain@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Follow Jamie on Twitter
Facebook
Phone: (02) 9660 7586

Significant increase to plans for Rozelle Village Development
Jamie has expressed concern over significantly revised plans for the Rozelle Village Development, which will double the number of dwellings and almost triple commercial floor space over what was previously proposed.
The plan includes three towers, one at 32 storeys and two at 26 storeys. The Joint Regional Planning Panel has already rejected much smaller plans due to concerns about height, design and traffic.This proposal more than doubles the number of dwellings to a total of 304, almost triples commercial floor space and increases parking spaces to 834.Jamie shares the concerns of residents and businesses about the size, scale and impact of this proposal.Media release | SMH
 
$300,000 in community funding for the Balmain electorate
Community organisations in the Balmain electorate will receive close to $300,000 in funding after they were recommended by Jamie under the NSW government s Community Building Partnerships Program. Media release.
 
Democracy for Burma
Jamie travelled to Burma following the by-election which saw pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi elected to parliament. He met with leading figures in the National League for Democracy as well as environmental and pro-democracy activists.Jamie is a founding member of the Australian Coalition for Democracy in Burma and has for over 20 years been an activist and campaigner supporting human rights and democracy in Burma.
Foreign Minister Bob Carr has announced Australia will ease some of its sanctions against Burma. Jamie spoke to Sky News Agenda cautioning against lifting sanctions too soon. Watch Jamie on Sky News.

Barangaroo asbestos find follows history of poor transparency
Jamie has called for a transparent review of contamination remediation plans at Barangaroo following revelations that Lend Lease has known about potentially deadly asbestos on the site for 5 years but failed to inform the public.Former Premier Kristina Keneally attempted to shut down a speech by Jamie in February this year, which outlined further evidence of a billion dollar gift to Lend Lease by the former NSW government. The extraordinary effort to gag the speech was overruled by the Acting Speaker. FOI and GIPA requests for numerous significant documents have been denied, apparently to prevent the public availability of further evidence of the true market value of the site. Jamie will continue to expose the truth behind the Barangaroo deal, which goes to the heart of the financial management of our State. More information. Video of Jamie's speech in Feburary, including the interruptions from Kristina Keneally.

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Senator Lee Rhiannon

senator.rhiannon@aph.gov.au
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Sydney Office ph: 02 9241 6966
Canberra office ph: 02 6277 3496

The biggest news of the last week was, of course, Senator Bob Brown’s decision to retire as the Greens’ party leader.  Lee joined with other MPs and members to wish Bob well and thank him for an enormous contribution over many years.  Lee spoke to ABC 24 and Sky News about Bob’s retirement and the election of Christine Milne and Adam Bandt as the Australian Greens' new leadership team. ABC 24 | Sky News

This fortnight Lee joined Adam Bandt to meet with a large group of Greens members from the electorates of Sydney and Grayndler in the inner-west suburb of Marrickville.  Check out the photos here.

She also joined Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne and Jeremy Buckingham in Orange to begin Christine’s listening tour of regional Australia, visiting orchardists and graziers around Orange. Media Release.

Lee spoke to 2UE's David Oldfield about the establishment of a US base in Australia and the arrival of US Marines in Darwin and also appeared on Sky News’ Late Agenda program. 

Crikey reported Lee’s recent work at Senate Estimates hearings to scrutinise the government’s delayed review of its counter-terrorism legislation, noting that these draconian new laws that substantially curbed basic legal rights were introduced in haste with little time for Senate scrutiny.  Lee plans to pursue further the legislation and its review further this year. Read the article.

On 14 April Lee hosted a highly successful event where Lee, Jack Mundey and 50 Greens packed out the bus to visit key sites saved by Green Bans, including Kelly’s Bush and the Rocks, as well as lesser known sites including Sydney University and the site of the green ban and occupation against the proposed North-West Expressway.  Jack Mundey was one of the key organisers of the Builders Labourers Federation's campaign to protect the environment and Sydney's heritage from rampaging developers. Check out the photos here.

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Jan Barham MLC

http://www.janbarham.org.au/
jan.barham@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Phone: (02) 9230 2603

Homelessness effectiveness
A recent report from Mission Australia raises the justification for the provision of services for homeless people as a cost saving measure for government.  The report outlines cost savings achieved by investing in services to support people rather than funding programs that have to be followed in a prescribed way. Full report here. I will be attending the Homelessness conference in Newcastle in May and continue to consult with service providers on successful service models and upcoming issues.The COAG
April meeting has reviewed the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (Nov 2011)& revised it agreement (April 2012)

Housing NSW – Maintenance Backlog
My Greens colleague Jamie Parker has been raising the issue of the disgraceful condition of many Department of Housing facilities provided to his constituents. The maintenance backlog for Housing NSW was estimated as being $300 million. A question in parliament to clarify this figure and the total amount allocated for maintenance and upgrade is actually closer to $400 million. The Government have committed to addressing  the issue of maintenance and to reducing the significant backlog of scheduled works. Jamie and I will be watching closely to ensure that all tenants living in Department of Housing facilities are provided with safe, secure and comfortable homes. Any other examples of poor condition and response would be welcomed to provide an overview of the problem.

Dementia and Aged Care reform needed
The Department of Health and Ageing has released reports by Alzheimers Australia and COTA (Council On The Ageing) that have found that Dementia is the single largest age related disease in Australia with 1600 new cases diagnosed each week.  The AA report identified that dementia prevalence will double over the next 20 years and that a major concern is the lack of nurses and carers to support this future need. Click here to view the reports.

Alzheimers Australia has also released information that defines dementia prevalence estimates and projections for Australia by Federal electorates which will assist councils in considering the needs of the community and to prepare for the future.  

Implementing a National Disability Insurance Scheme:
The April COAG report regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) resolved a set of principles relating to implementation and governance.
 
Monday April 30th - Rallies in support of the NDIS -across the country on– For more info "Make It Real" rallies, visit  the website.

30 April – Recruitment of Official Community Visitors are appointed by the Minister for Disability Services and the Minister for Community Services under the Community Services (Complaints, Reviews and Monitoring) Act 1993 (CS-CRAMA). There are 30 Official Community Visitors. They come from a wide cross-section of the community including people with a disability, parents and relatives of people with a disability, ex-state wards, people who were in care as children, advocates and professionals. More information.
 
Upcoming Events:

• April 30th "Make It Real Rally" – National Disability Insurance Scheme
• May 5th "Keep Them Safe" – Where are we up to (NCOSS conference)
• May 14th and 15th Homelessness NSW Conference

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Jeremy Buckingham MLC

www.jeremybuckingham.org
jeremy.buckingham@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Follow Jeremy on Twitter
Facebook
Phone: 9230 2202

Connecting Christine Milne with rural NSW
This Wednesday Jeremy hosted new Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne on the first leg of her regional listening tour.  With the retirement of the inspirational Bob Brown, Christine Milne has said that forging a strong relationship with rural and regional Australia is one of her key priorities.

Rural Australia is key to dealing with the challenges of climate change and food security in the coming years.

Christine and Jeremy met orchardists at a cherry orchard outside of Orange, discussing issues such as biosecurity, the supermarket duopoly, the exchange rate and export markets, the regulation of cider and cider apple growers, and the carbon tax amongst many issues.

Next stop was grazier Andrew Norton’s property where Christine ate sandwiches and drank tea with district graziers and talked about issues such as farm gate prices, water security, the effects of mining on agriculture and an ageing rural population.

Finally a civic reception at the Orange Showgrounds saw Christine connect with Central West Council representatives, renewable energy companies and local environmentalists.

There are enormous opportunities for dialogue and cooperation between the Greens and regional communities.  Jeremy is very much looking forward to assisting Christine Milne with the important project into the future. To view photos of the first leg of Christine’s regional tour, click here.
 

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John Kaye MLC

www.johnkaye.org.au
john.kaye@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Follow John on Twitter
Facebook
Ph 9230 2668 Fax 9230 2586

Egg Corp proves need for legislated free-range definition
The Egg Corporation's plans to allow 'free-range' eggs to be produced from hens crammed into two birds per square metre is an attack on the rights of ethical consumers and a death blow to many genuine free range farmers. Industry self-regulation of free-range egg standards is now a proven failure. A legislated definition of free-range that ensures commonly-accepted standards of animal treatment is now the only way to ensure the future of the free-range egg industry. Media release

Take Action! John's office is putting together action kits for the truth in labelling campaign. The kits contain all the info and materials that you need to spread the word on the campaign and pressure your local MP to support the Greens Truth in Labelling Free-range eggs bill. If you would like to be sent a kit, please contact Lauren at lauren.waldon@parliament.nsw.gov.au or on Ph: 02 9230 2668.

Another 1.1 billion reasons to abandon power sell-off
Just 2 weeks before the NSW Upper House is due to debate legislation to sell the state's electricity generators, it was revealed that Macquarie Generation's $1.1 billion write-down could foreshadow a total reduction of $1.4 billion in the sale value. John called on the O'Farrell government to shelve its privatisation plans. If Treasurer Mike Baird does not abandon the sell-off, the assets could be sold for a song while NSW households continue to face higher power prices for electricity. Media release | ABC

Yet more tax freebies for O'Farrell's club mates
A recent Monash University study revealed that the charitable contributions made by clubs are 'minuscule' compared to their massive profits from gaming machines. The O'Farrell government's response was to offer yet more pokies tax concessions to clubs and pubs and extend existing 'hardship' schemes. Once again the Coalition has delivered a return on the industry's investment in the O'Farrell government that saw hundreds of thousands of dollars pour into its coffers in the weeks before those donations were outlawed. Media release.

Wealthy private school lobby cries poor, again
The school funding debate is at risk of being hijacked by the private education lobby's scaremongering over fee rises. State and federal governments are once again being bullied into sweetheart deals to protect the elite institutions. Despite the increases in public funding, fees for the most exclusive private schools have increased dramatically since 2001. Media release | SMH

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Coming Events Involving Greens

Rivers SOS: 12th Regional Meeting
Saturday 21st April, 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cawdor Primary School Hall, cnr Cawdor Rd and Old Razorback Rd, Cawdor
Between 10 - 11am Shadow Environment Minister Luke Foley, Greens MLC Jeremy Buckingham and Wollondilly Liberal MLA Jai Rowell will speak on the NSW Government's draft Strategic Regional Land Use and Aquifer Interference policies. From 2 - 3 pm there will be a panel discussion on mining and CSG damage to drinking water catchments, in particular the Special Areas of Sydney's catchments. Panelists will include Dr Peter Turner, founder of the Save Our Water Catchments campaign; Dr. Ann Young, foremost expert on the swamps of the Illawarra plateau; Jill Merrin, Greens Councillor Wollongong; and Cr. Larry Whipper, Sydney Catchment Authority Board member and Wingecarribee Councillor. This is another important area of concern to Rivers SOS groups. SCA officials are also invited.
On the Sunday morning we will have a tour of the Thirlmere Lakes, with Dr Steven Pells as guide.

Meet the Senate Candidates Forum: Northern Sydney
21 April, 4-6pm
Crows Nest Community Centre, 2 Ernest Place, Crows Nest
For more info, please phone The Greens NSW office on 9045 6999

Rally to Stop the Cuts: Siege on the Management
Tuesday 24 April, 10:15 am
University of Sydney, Out front of Clock tower in the Quad
Speakers include: John Kaye Greens NSW MP and Education Spokesperson
Following a phenomenal demonstration of 1500 staff and students, and an occupation of the Arts admin building, students issued an ultimatum to the university management to tell them: withdraw the cuts by the end of the Easter break, or we will begin a campaign of escalating mass direct action. Come along to the rally at 10.15, followed by a march to university management offices. See Facebook event.

Beyond Carbon Pricing Forum - opening for the Australian Climate Action Summit
Friday 27 April, Registration from 5pm,seated by 6pm. Event running until 8pm.
NSW Parliament's Theatrette
Speakers:  Ged Kearney - ACTU President, Christine Milne - Leader of the Australian Greens, Jenny McAllister - Federal ALP President, Richard Denniss - The Australia Institute and Simon Butler - Socialist Alliance and Green Left Weekly. Hosted by Greens MP John Kaye.
Register now or contact Phil Bradley: 0425 265 170.

Climate Action Summit 2012
Weekend of April 28-29 at the University of Western Sydney, Parramatta campus.
All climate concerned people are invited to attend this gathering of the Community Climate Network of local and grassroots action groups and campaigns. Representatives from Greenpeace, 100% Renewable Energy, AYCC, Lock the Gate and the Greens to name a few will be participating in The weekend’s program of panel discussions, campaign planning and skills workshops. For more information visit the website.

Meet the Senate Candidates Forum: Southern NSW
29 April, 2-4pm
Coniston Community Centre, 26 Bridge St, Coniston
For more info, please phone The Greens NSW office on 9045 6999

Public meeting to oppose bottle shop next to Mt Hutton primary school
29 April 4pm
A proposal is before council to build a BWS bottle shop next door to Mt Hutton primary school and within 1km of two other bottle shops. Come along and lend your support to the campaign to keep our school community safe and reduce alocohol related crime and the social harm that it causes.
Speakers include Greens MP John Kaye.

Parliament Rally to Protect Our Land and Water
Tuesday May 1, 11:45am
Martin Place, Sydney
The NSW Farmers, Lock the Gate Alliance, the Nature Conservation Council and Getup are joining forces with other groups to support a major rally against the Government's failed strategic regional land use plans.  The Greens are supporting this event through the Office of Jeremy Buckingham MLC. We need a big Greens presence so please bring your Greens, No Gas and Lock the Gate banners and corfluetes.
For more information call Jeremy Buckingham's office on 9230 2202 More information.

May Day Toast
Tuesday 1 May, 6:30 pm
1st Floor, Cyprus Community Club, 58-76 Stanmore Road, Stanmore.
Tickets $40 per person, Tables of 10 available. Includes 3 course meal, refreshments and live band. To book a seat at the Greens table please contact David Shoebridge on david.shoebridge@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

May Day Rally and March
Sunday 6 May 2012, 12 noon
Hyde Park North, Sydney
Join the Greens contingent and bring your flags and triangles. Assemble near the fountain. Speakers include Greens MP John Kaye.
See the facebook event for more information.

Mardi Grass 2012
Friday May 4-Sunday May 6
Yarndi University, Nimbin
This is a not for profit event sponsored by the Nimbin HEMP (Help End Marijuana Prohibition) Embassy which is run by volunteers and dedicated to ending the war on cannabis. Speakers include: John Kaye Greens NSW MP and Health spokesperson; Dr Alex Wodak, Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation; and James Moylan, Civil Liberties Observer Group. For full details of the program see the website.

Meet the Senate Candidates Forum: Hunter Region
6 May, 1-3pm
Mayfield Bowling Club, 3A Ingall St, Mayfield
For more info, please phone The Greens NSW office on 9045 6999

Fair Go for Free-range! Public Action Meeting
Monday 7 May 7pm
Leichhardt Town Hall, 107 Norton Street  Leichhardt NSW 2040
The Greens have a bill before NSW parliament that will move to ensure that the free-range eggs that you buy come from truly free-range hens. It has passed the upper house and now needs strong community backing to become law. Come along and be part of the movement to defend the rights ofethical consumers and protect  genuine free-range farmers and their animals.The event will be hosted and chaired by Greens MP Jamie Parker. Speakers include: Lee McCosker from Humane Choice, a divison of Humane Society International Jodi Stewart owner and proprietor of About Life cafes and stores, John Kaye, Greens MP. RSVP: 9660 7586 alison.martin@parliament.nsw.gov.au For more information visit truthinlabelling.org.au

John's office is also working with the Newcastle Greens to hold an event in Newcastle to help kick start the campaign to get the Truth in Labelling Bill through the Lower House. Stay tuned for more details!

Education reform in Burma: Basic education and Beyond Seminar and Worshops
Saturday 12 May - 14 May 2012
Vision Valley, 7 Vision Valley Road,  Arcadia Sydney
Seminars and workshops will focus on Burma's system of education adn the possibilities for assisting the reform process.
Organised by Macquarie University, MDG Focus and Burma Economic Watch and sponsored by AusAID, MDG Focus and APEHEDA.
Speakers include Greens MP John Kaye. To register visit click here.

Meet the Senate Candidates Forum: Western Sydney/Central West
13 May, 2-4pm
Mid Mountains Community Centre, New Street, Lawson
For more info, please phone The Greens NSW office on 9045 6999

Sustainable Urban Food Production
Tuesday 15 May 2012, 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Futureworld at Lake Illawarra, Northcliffe Drive, (opposite Walker Street), Warrawong
Speakers include: John Kaye Greens NSW energy spokesperson; Brian Andrew, University of Wollongong; and Mary Kaidonis, Associate Professor of Accounting and Finance.
To join us to discuss some of the issues surrounding the transition to a low carbon economy.  
Cost - $10 per person (and $5 Concession). Light refreshments will be provided from 6.00pm. RSVP by 11 May 2012 on 4274 2939 or info@futureworld.org.au

Royal National Park Greens bushwalk with Senator Lee Rhiannon
Saturday 26 May 2012
Do you have time to assist the campaign to gain World Heritage listing for Royal National Park and enjoy a stunning bushwalk? We are looking for a small team of members who have time for an occasional bushwalk in the Royal and can support the lobbying efforts to win World Heritage listing. If you have time to get involved we will provide you with periodic briefings so you can undertake this work.Lee is supporting the work of First National Park, the community group driving this campaign. More information on the campaign can be found on Lee's website. If you are interested, please pop the date in your diary and email Lee at senator.rhiannon@aph.gov.au. We will send you more details.

Social Justice: state aid - a fair way of ensuring equal opportunities for all? Greens Hot Topic Discussion
Sunday 27th May
Speakers include Greens MP John Kaye
More details TBA

Environmental sustainability: how compatible is capitalism with concern for the environment? Greens Hot Topic Discussion
Friday 22nd June (pre-SDC)
More details TBA

Are the Greens feminist friendly? Greens Hot Topic Discussion
Friday 17 August (pre-SDC)
More details TBA

Greens new members meeting
Sunday 28 October
More details TBA

Travelling Greens economics forum
The NSW Greens Economics Working Group is a progressive economics think tank. We believe the Greens play an important role in transforming the economic model of our society to one based on community, sustainability, fairness and prosperity. Our forums travel to local groups with the aim of informing members and supporters of Greens economics principles and our goal of an economically just world. Interested groups contact - Matt Drake-Brockman m.drake.brockman@gmail.com

Greens Cycling Gear
Following some discussions about entering "Green" teams in various cycling events around the country starting with an event in Brisbane for the Queensland election, the Australian Greens plan to order Greens cycling shirts and/or shorts for anyone who wants them. They will be professionally designed using the AG Greens logo and website, so they can be worn in any state. Jerseys will cost $65-75 (depending on bulk order) and knicks $70-80.
 Please contact Chris.Harris@greens.org.au for further enquiries, or to place your order.

Australian Greens Policy Review
Throughout 2012, the Greens are reviewing and redrafting all the Australian Greens policies and NSW members are encouraged to participate in this process.  Please see the Australian Greens policy review  2012 section of the NSW member’s site for information on this process.
Any queries please contact:Cathy Peters, NSW Policy Coordinator - peters.cathy1@gmail.com Peter Fry, Assistant Policy Coordinator -  peter.fry2@gmail.com

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What's On

Architecture Art and Artefacts Heritage Walk
Saturday 21st April, 2 – 5 pm
University of Newcastle
Join architect, Dr Philip Pollard and colleagues to explore the award- winning modern heritage buildings and extraordinary sustainable landscaping on the University of Newcastle campus. Includes entry to the new Senta Taft-Hendry Museum of Artefacts and refreshments at the University of Newcastle Art Gallery. $15. Meet in the forecourt of The Great Hall.
Enquiries: Margaret Henry  49 61 1063; 0447 611 066
Bookings essential 4927 5135  or  turnbullpa@bigpond.com

People and Planet Photo Competition
Competition is open until April 22nd
People & Planet helps raise funds for a group of Australian not-for-profits through their annual diaries and calendars.  The People & Planet Photo Competition is looking for extraordinary images of people, places or objects which tell a story about a social-justice or environment issue to be published in the 2013 People & Planet Diary and Calendar. The competition is open to amateurs and professional photographers alike, so spread the world and get involved. More info here.

Fourth Denis Kevans Memorial Anzac Week Benefit Concert
Tuesday 24th April, 6pm-10.30pm
Gaelic Club (upstairs), 164 Devonshire St, Surry Hills
With Margaret & Bob Fagan, Sonia Bennett, Sydney Trade Union Choir, Dennis Aubrey, Trude Aspeling & Friends,
Dennis Rice, Jenni Nixon (poet) with Jack Mundey speaking.
$25/$15 to benefit Agent Orange Justice Campaign for Vietnamese victims of Vietnam War. Details jefferson.lee@bigpond.com or 9569 6070.

Introduction to native and exotic beekeeping
Sunday, 29 April, 10 am – 1 pm
Asylum Seekers Centre, 38 Nobbs Street, Surry Hills
RSVP by 23 April: Meredith Downes development@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Cost: $40 or $30 concession for students or pensioners (all proceeds go to the Asylum Seekers Centre). Morning tea provided: if you have any allergies please inform Meredith. Pay by: 23 April Safety info: we have only a stingless bee hive onsite, so there’s no need for protective equipment. Places strictly limited, so book soon.

Fair work: Why does it matter?
30th April 2012, 12.30pm
Unions NSW Executive Boardroom L3, Trades Hall, 4 Goulburn St, Sydney
Join us on Monday 30th April for a lunchtime seminar featuring labour law expert Professor Keith Ewing. The event is free and a light lunch will be provided. Registration is essential: catalyst@catalyst.org.au or 02 8090 1177.

The Australian Federation of Graduate Women NSW Inc proudly presents...‘Weathering Uncertainty:  Climate Change and Forced Migration’
The 2012 Sophia Holland Lecture and Luncheon
Friday 4 May, 11.45am for 12
Mitchell Theatre, Level 1, Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts Building, 280 Pitt St, Sydney (Near cnr Bathurst St)
Cost: $30 Please RSVP by 30 April 2012 E: afgwnsw@netspace.net.au P: 9283 7878

Design your own self-watering (wicking) barrels
Sunday, 6 May, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Asylum Seekers Centre, 38 Nobbs Street, Surry Hills
RSVP by 1 May: Meredith Downes development@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Cost: $40 or $30 concession for students or pensioners (all proceeds go to the Asylum Seekers Centre).
Morning tea provided: if you have any allergies please inform Meredith. Pay by: 1 May. More information here. Places are strictly limited, so book soon.

Wild Endurance
Saturday 5 to Sunday 6 May
Website.

'Cat and mouse' games: Hunger strikes and political prisonerhood
Wednesday 9th May 2012, 4pm-6pm
Room 201, level 14 in building 10, UTS City Campus, 235 Jones Street, Broadway, NSW, 2007
Speaker: Professor Ujjwal Kumar Singh
RSVP: Cornelia Betzler on 02 9514 2768 or email cornelia.betzler@uts.edu.au

The Last Reef : Cities Beneath the Sea
Wednesday 9 May, 2012, 5.30pm for 6pm
LG IMAX Theatre, Darling Harbour Sydney
Arrive and mingle with National Parks Association members, other marine supporters and friends of the environment from 5.30pm. Film starts at 6.00pm.All funds raised will support NPA Marine's work to provide that chance of survival and regeneration to the marine species and ecosystems of NSW, through marine protected areas and community education.
$20 per adult ticket, or $80 for 5 tickets, $10 per concession/student/child ticket. Watch the trailer.

Continental Philosophy Group
Sunday 13 May, 2.30 till 5.30pm
Spanish Club (Upstairs, 88 Liverpool St, City)
Cultural Amnesia: A Phenomenological Examination. Info: Noel 9332 2886, Mark 95171206.  Website.

Earth Spirit Action
Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 May
A weekend of experiential deep ecology in the lower Blue Mountains
More info.

IQ2 Debates – a project by the St James Ethics Centre
Running from Tuesday 29 May to Tuesday 18 September
City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney CBD
An Australian forum for live debate discussing topics such as "Same sex marriage should not be legalised" "We’ve seen the energy future and it’s nuclear" and "We’ve nothing to fear from a powerful China". More info.

Vertical gardening in small spaces
Sunday, 3 June, 10 am – 1 pm
Asylum Seekers Centre, 38 Nobbs Street, Surry Hills
RSVP by 30 May: Meredith Downes development@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Cost: $40 or $30 concession for students or pensioners (all proceeds go to the Asylum Seekers Centre).
Morning tea provided: if you have any allergies please inform Meredith. Pay by: 30 May
More information. Check out the the wall gardens for sale on the day here. Places are strictly limited, so book soon.

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Hot Website Tips

Monsanto’s GM corn about to hit US supermarket shelves, without testing or labelling
Sign an urgent petition to WalMart's CEO demanding that WalMart refuse to sell Monsanto's new toxic GMO corn.

University funding
The NTEU is pushing for more funding for universities. Website.

Muckaty Nuclear Waste Dump
Petition | More info

Gonski Education Review
The report from the Federal government's Gonski review into school funding has been released. It is imperative that you let Julia Gillard know now that you want a fairer and more equitable schools funding system. Visit For our Future to make your voice heard.

Say no to Income Management  in Bankstown
Website.

The Global Mail
The Global Mail is a philanthropically funded, not-for-profit news and features website. Their mission is to deliver original, fearless, independent journalism. Website.

The Observer Tree
With over 20,000 hits on the website, loads of media coverage and lots of encouraging feedback - the campaign is off to a great start! Website.

Current Campaigns

Free Burma
At least 1,000 political prisoners remain in Burmese jails.  They have been arrested for standing up for democracy and human rights. They can be freed, but they need your help. Take a photo of yourself holding a sign saying “Even 1 political prisoners is 1 too many". Download  the sign here. Once you have taken your photo email it to Burma Campaign Australia at admin@aucampaignforburma.org or upload it to our Facebook page. See the photos that have already been posted here.

Lift Redfern Station Campaign - Make Redfern Station Accessible
The local community, resident groups, the aboriginal community, businesses and local political party branches are calling upon the Minister of Transport to take immediate action to install lifts to Redfern station platforms.Like the Facebook page.

ANZ don’t give a dam
At the end of last year Senator Lee Rhiannon visited central Laos to inspect the site of the controversial Theun-Hinboun Dam expansion project on the Nam Gnouang River.  ANZ is one of only three international investors bank-rolling this new dam, putting in well over $180 million. Lee met with locals whose homes and land were inundated by the original Theun-Hinboun Dam.  Many  have still not been properly compensated for the collapse of fish stocks, polluted drinking water and crops lost due to erosion and flooding associated with the original dam.  They are fearful that the new dam will cause further social and environmental problems. ANZ’s slogan is ‘We live in your world’, but their executives clearly do not live in the same world as the Laos fisherfolk. Contact ANZ direct to ask them why they are financing a new dam expansion while so many problems remain unresolved from the original dam.

No Nuclear Waste Dump in Lidcombe
Sign the petition  | Email Premier Barry O’Farrell | Email Minister for Heritage and Environment Robyn Parker | Facebook | More info
 

Gardens of Stone Under Threat
Please help The Nature Conservation Council`s campaign to stop coal mining in the Gardens of Stone Area. Fill in the online letter to the Premier.

Heritage listing for Royal National Park
Senator Lee Rhiannon is working with local campaigners to achieve World Heritage status for the Royal National Park south of Sydney. Read more about her campaign and watch a video introducing it here.

Fair go for free-range - truth in labelling now!
The Greens Truth in Labelling bill has successfully passed through the NSW Upper House! John Kaye's office is putting together some great action kits for the truth in labelling campaign. The kits contain all the info and materials that you need to spread the word about the campaign and pressure your local MP to support the Greens Truth in Labelling Free-range eggs bill in the Lower House. If you would like to be sent a kit, please contact Lauren Waldon at lauren.waldon@parliament.nsw.gov.au or on Ph: 02 9230 2668.

More info.

Positions Vacant

Special thanks
Special thanks to the Marrickville Greens’ Jason Koh for lending us his architectural skills to provide an improved office layout at Eve St.

Database Volunteer Needed!
Skill required: experience with relationship databases (preferably mySQL or SQL, but not essential). Please contact the National Campaign Coordinator, (AG) Chris Harris, on 0411 509 322, or chris.harris@greens.org.au.

Australian Greens National Conference in November - Volunteers needed
NSW Greens will be hosting the final Australian Greens gathering for the year in Sydney and we need some volunteers to help organise the event. It will be a great time to reflect on a big year for the Greens and to showcase the amazing volunteers we have here in NSW. If you would like to help coordinate this event please contact Fiona Byrne on fbyrne1972@gmail.com or on 0401 719 120.

Looking for some office experience?
It is well known that it is our volunteers that really make things happen and make the greatest contributionThe Greens party. In fact, without volunteers the Greens party would cease to exist as we know it.The NSW office is currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers, who want to gain skills in one or all of the
following areas: online content management, membership liaison and administration, merchandise management, as well as a range of other office functions.These volunteer roles are designed to be flexible and best suited to university of Tafe students looking to for their first round of office experience.If you’re interested, please call the Office Manager, Lauren Moore, on 9045 6999.  
   
Volunteer Mentors for Asylum Seekers in Community Detention    
Marist Youth Care has undertaken to care for Asylum Seekers in Community Detention as they await their visa determinations.They are seeking the support of Volunteer Mentors to help these people during this difficult period of their lives. Most asylum seekers say that they would like to have an Australian friend. Volunteer mentors come from all walks of life and backgrounds. A willingness to help is all that is needed. Please contact Janice Williams, Volunteers Coordinator, Monday to Thursday, on 9672 9210 or email janicew@maristyc.com.au

Plastic bag campaign
Cate's office is looking for a volunteer with social media skills to help build a online plastic bag campaign. If you're interested send an email to cate.faehrmann@parliament.nsw.gov.au
 
Volunteers needed - Senator Lee Rhiannon’s office
Volunteers are a valued part of Lee’s office, now located in Surry Hills. We are looking for assistance in drafting responses to emails about policy issues, research and data entry for the Greens Democracy4Sale donations project and general office duties. If you are interested in any of these areas please email Senator.Rhiannon@aph.gov.au and outline in one page or less your work experience, involvement with the Greens and time availability, including contact details.Working from home is an option. Queries: Lesa de Leau 02 9211 9523

Greens NSW Working Groups
Want to become more actively involved in Greens grassroots campaigning?
To subscribe to a working group please see subscription email listings below.  

• Campus and Young Greens: cyg-subscribe@lists.nsw.greens.org.au
• Climate Action: cawg-subscribe@nsw.greens.org.au
• Coal Communities: coalcommunities-subscribe@nsw.greens.org.au
• Economics: economics-subscribe@lists.nsw.greens.org.au
• Education: edwg-subscribe@lists.nsw.greens.org.au
• Election Funding: efwg-subscribe@lists.nsw.greens.org.au
• GM Free: gmfree-subscribe@lists.nsw.greens.org.au
• Human Rights: hrwg-subscribe@lists.nsw.greens.org.au
• Industrial Relations: irwg-subscribe@nsw.greens.org.au
• Local Government: lgwg-subscribe@lists.nsw.greens.org.au
• Multicultural Communities: communities@lists.nsw.greens.org.au
• Refugees: refugeewg-subscribe@lists.nsw.greens.org.au
• Sexuality and Gender Identity: lgbti-subscribe@lists.nsw.greens.org.au
• South East Region: seregion-subscribe@lists.nsw.greens.org.au
• Transport: twg-subscribe@lists.nsw.greens.org.au
• Western Sydney: westsyd-subscribe@lists.nsw.greens.org.au  
• Women’s: women-subscribe@lists.nsw.greens.org.au

Submitting Items for E-Brief

We welcome your items for e-brief - please email ebrief@nsw.greens.org.au with no more than 100 words in plain text about your event or campaign (please see existing items for format). Please send the item before 12 noon on the Wednesday. We cannot guarantee inclusion of events or campaigns that are sent after 12 noon or incompatibily formatted.

Looking forward to receiving your ebrief contributions.

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Contact the Greens NSW

NSW Greens Website
office@nsw.greens.org.au
Ph (02) 9045 6999
Fax (02) 9519 2177
PO Box 1220, SYDNEY NSW 2001

Message from the NSW Office

We have yellow triangular coal seam gas coreflutes available to local groups and individuals. There are two sizes available: 60 x 60cm ($3.30 each) and 30 x 30cm ($1 each). There are two slogans to choose from: "No Gas, Protect Our Water" and "No Gas, Coal Seam Gas Stinks". We also have small triangle badges available for $0.55 each. Postage is additional. Please send your order to office@nsw.greens.org.au

 

Authorised by John Kaye, 19 Eve St Erskineville, NSW 2043 Australia for The Greens NSW