NSW now at risk of uranium mining
Barry O’Farrell’s government has passed legislation that overturns the 26 year ban on exploring for uranium in NSW. 
In February the Bill to allow exploration for uranium passed through the Lower House. In late March, it passed through the Upper House with a 20-18 win supported by the Liberals, Nationals, Shooters and Fishers Party and Fred Nile’s Christian Democrats. Only Labor and The Greens voted against it.
Why saving the Kimberley matters
Australia is in a race for gas, urged on by our state and federal governments. But from Broome to Sydney, a grassroots movement that includes indigenous people, environmentalists, city folk, farmers, social justice advocates, climate activists and climate sceptics are petitioning to stop the mining industry’s use and abuse of our land for short term profits. Citizens across Australia are telling the government to take notice: there is no social license for the damage from gas mining to our environment, heritage, water – and communities.
Australians support a fair go at work
January marks two years since the introduction of Fair Work Australia, the body established by Labor to replace the industrial relations system of Work- Choices. It is now up for review. Unsurprisingly, this has led to a growing chorus of business voices claiming problems, from mounting paperwork to falling productivity and rapidly rising wages.
In fact, there is little evidence of spiralling wages. The latest Bureau of Statistics figures show wage rises slowing last year. Labour productivity may be lower than in the 1990s, but this trend was worse under WorkChoices.
It is important to see Fair Work in a broader context. For most of the last century, Australia was one of the most equal countries in the developed world, despite comparatively low taxes. More than most other countries, Australia sought to achieve a ‘fair go’ through wages, rather than welfare. Our governments sought to ensure we had enough to begin with, rather than giving us more at the end.
Since the 1970s, the processes of globalisation and deregulation have placed greater strains on the way Australian governments traditionally achieved equity. While today unemployment is low by international standards, at about 5 per cent, it is higher than at virtually any time between 1950 and 1975. And during the past 30 years the proportion of national income going to workers as wages has consistently fallen
Rally to Protect our Land and Water
Rally to Protect our Land and Water
Date: Tuesday 1 May, 12noon
Location: Martin Place, marching to NSW Parliament
Your support is needed next Tuesday to protect our land and water
Next Tuesday on 1 May there will be an historic political rally at the NSW Parliament.
Farmers, Environmentalists, and community groups will speak with one voice to tell the Government that it has had enough of the mining at all costs approach in NSW.
The Government's Strategic Landuse Plans that were supposed to protect the environment and agricultural land from coal and gas mining have been labelled a failure by all stakeholders.
Proposed NT abattoir: creating jobs and ending live exports
The Australian Greens have backed calls by Australia’s largest cattle company for the Gillard government to provide transport infrastructure to support a proposed new Darwin abattoir, saying it will create new jobs, relieve animal cruelty and help end live exports (“Cattle boss angry over abattoir cold shoulder”, Australian 03/04/2012 p 6).
Time for Ludwig to act on overdue battery cage review: Green
The Australian Greens today called on Minister for Agriculture Joe Ludwig to trigger an overdue review into the poultry ‘Code of Practice’ with a view to phasing out cruel battery cages for hens. Animals Australia today launched a series of radio ads to make battery cages history (“Campaign to ban eggs from battery farms”, Sydney Morning Herald today, page 6 today http://tiny.cc/a6b4bw).
Greens challenge Police Minister to public debate on proposed Big Brother Laws
Greens MP and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge is challenging The NSW Police Minister to an open public debate on his proposal to have a national police DNA profile taken of all newborn babies.
"The Minister has said he wants a debate on these Big Brother laws. Well, let's get started," Mr Shoebridge said.
Greens announce bill for mandatory seat belts on school buses in NSW
Greens MP and transport spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has announced the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Amendment (Child Safety on School Buses) Bill 2012.
The bill will amend the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999 to mandate that buses be fitted with seatbelts and make further provisions with respect to the safety of children travelling on school buses. The initial target of a phase in period will be the most dangerous routes that include unsealed roads and roads or highways 80 kpm or over.
Rally to save Gosford Public School: Two schools, two sites
Greens NSW MP John Kaye will address a rally of parents, teachers and public education supporters, outraged at the O'Farrell government's determination to push ahead with its plans to relocate Gosford Public School onto the grounds of Henry Kendall High School.
No mandate for uranium – Greens call for public inquiry
Greens uranium spokesperson Jamie Parker MP has condemned the NSW government for today overturning the 26 year moratorium on uranium exploration, saying the government has no mandate for uranium mining.
"The government may claim that this is only about exploration but it is absurd to separate this legislation from potential future mining. The community does not support uranium mining and over the coming months the government will hear this loud and clear.