Dairy farmer confidence plummets as triple crisis hits
Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber has called on the Liberal state government to develop a plan to address the crisis in the dairy industry, after a new survey shows confidence amongst dairy farmers has plummeted.
"Confidence amongst western Victorian dairy farmers has collapsed in 2013 to 46% down from 63% last year. Even during the shocking drought times such as 08-09, confidence was much higher, with a 70-80 percent positive outlook."
"Given the significance of the dairy industry to Victoria, you'd think the state government would have said something about the triple crisis of climate, market and competitiveness hitting the industry."
V/Line performance beyond a joke
Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber says V/Line's latest performance figures show a system that is failing, with the Geelong line on a downward spiral and regular passengers on every line but one eligible to claim compensation for poor punctuality.
"This is getting beyond a joke. I call on V/Line to publish the reasons for each and every delayed train so the Napthine government can be held responsible for starving V/Line of funds," said Greens MP Greg Barber
Victoria's black hole: East-west road tunnel
The state government has announced a road tunnel to be dug under the inner suburbs of Melbourne between Collingwood and Flemington. From Alexandra Parade, under the Melbourne Cemetery, Royal Park and thousands of homes the western end of the tunnel will emerge through a sports field, urban wetlands and billabong before joining with the Tullamarine Freeway.
Unfortunately – but unsurprisingly – many of the details of the project remain a state secret. Most residents whose homes stand to be affected have not been notified that their state government intends to push this tunnel through despite objections or the exorbitant costs. The east west road tunnel is looking like an information and budget black hole.
'Journey to Recognition' comes to Footscray
It’s time to Recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s Constitution.
On the 15th anniversary of Sorry Day, Recognise will launch an epic relay across the country. Inspired by Michael Long’s ‘The Long Walk’, the “Journey to Recognition” will be partnering with the Long Walk Foundation.
The "Journey to Recognition" will be meeting communities and gathering support across our country to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our Constitution. AFL legend Michael Long will take the first steps of the Journey, leading Australians onto the road to recognition.
When: 1:30pm for 2pm arrival, Sunday 26th May.
Where: Nicholson Street Mall, Northern end near Barkly Street, Footscray
Who: 'Journey to Recognition' walkers, former Senator Aden Ridgeway, Gathering Place CEO Colleen Marion, and Greens MP Colleen Hartland.
Greens support International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO)
Victorian Greens LGBTI spokesperson, Sue Pennicuik MLC, today voiced her continued support for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).*
“Unfortunately, too many LGBTI people are still subject to discrimination in their daily lives and threats to their health and safety in our community,” Ms Pennicuik said. “This is unacceptable and we all must continue to fight against it.
"Today is a reminder to us all to stand up against discrimination and to speak out strongly against homophobia and transphobia wherever we see it,” Ms Pennicuik said.
The Greens are fighting for marriage equality with Adam Bandt’s Marriage Equality to be voted on in the Federal Parliament on Thursday, 6 June.
East West Tollway tunnel exit to destroy park, traffic in city
The planned East West Tollway will have an open cut exit ramp at Elliott Ave Parkville, between the Royal Melbourne Zoo and the Children's Hospital, which will dump traffic in the city.
"It will destroy open space and wetlands in Royal Park, expose residents to pollution and pour traffic onto Elliott Avenue near Flemington Road, making road congestion worse," said Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber
"You'd better believe we will fight this one all the way."
Government drags their feet on new ambulance station at Wallan
Colleen Hartland questions the Minister in parliament
My question today is for the Minister for Health. In June 2010 the Liberal-Nationals coalition announced that if elected, it would build a 24-hour ambulance station at Wallan, in north-east Victoria, and that it would be operational by the end of the first term of government. It is 18 months out from this deadline, and I do not believe the government has selected a site for the new station, and there appears to be no funding for it in the recently announced budget.
There are currently 10 Ambulance Victoria staff that service the Wallan community who are forced to operate out of a cramped temporary facility located at Kilmore ambulance station, which is some 12 minutes drive away from the Wallan. My question for the minister is: when does he expect the site to be purchased, building to commence and the new station to be operational?
Animal Studies - another victum of TAFE cuts in the West
Colleen Hartland - Speech in Parlaiment
My adjournment matter is for the attention of the Minister for Higher Education and Skills, the Honourable Peter Hall. Animal studies TAFE courses provide the skills and knowledge to care for and manage the daily needs of a range of animal species. These courses provide skills for potential careers in pet grooming and veterinary nursing, and for shelter workers, kennel or cattery attendants, animal attendants, pet shop workers, community animal-care workers and farm workers.
Thanks to the government’s TAFE funding cuts Victoria University has been forced to discontinue providing an animal studies TAFE course. There is now no institution offering an animal studies course in the western region of Melbourne.
Massacre of hundreds of protected species shows duck season must end
Revelations in today’s Age regarding the massacre of hundreds of ducks and protected species, left to die in the water in what was clearly an organised shooting spree, is emblematic of why duck shooting should be banned once and for all, Greens MP, Sue Pennicuik said today.
“What is worse is that this terrible incident, which must be shocking to the majority of Victorians who don’t support duck shooting, could have been prevented if warnings had been heeded,” Ms Pennicuik said.
Campaign Win! Cuts to community and women’s health stopped!
In early 2013 Colleen Hartland launched a campaign, including a petition, calling on the Napthine Government to stop the proposed cuts to community and women’s health services in the State Budget.
Thanks to the hundreds of people that signed this petition, last week’s budget has returned $23 million in funding to community and women’s health!
Click here to sign up to stay in the loop on this and other campaigns
