[Greens-Media] Greens support farmers, students and workers against Howard government betrayals

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

03.07.05

Greens support farmers, students and workers against Howard government
betrayals


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle was in Orange and Bathurst today to support
farmers, students and workers against the betrayals of the Howard
government.

"The Greens give 100% support to farmers who are protesting the Howard
government allowing multinationals to abandon local producers and
prevent consumers from supporting local produce by refusing to legislate
real truth in labelling laws," Senator Nettle said.

"Bob Brown will reintroduce The Greens Truth in Labelling Bill 2005
which requires food labelling to show the country of origin, and whether
it came from genetically modified crops or was more than 0.5% GE
contaminated (as required by tough European Union  rules). 

"The Greens also oppose more free trade deals which could end up like
the lopsided US free trade with no barrier on US food imports to
Australia but 20 pages of restrictions on Australian exports to the US. 

"I am proud to have the opportunity to support the students of Bathurst
who today will stand up in defence of students and the Bathurst
community who will lose so many essential social, cultural and sporting
services if the federal government abolish student association fees.

"At the same time as students are coming under attack so too are the
working conditions of 95% of Australian workers, threatened with the
loss of holiday pay, long service leave, sick leave and other
entitlements which make our communities tick.

"In regional centres workers are especially vulnerable to the impact of
job losses and should be particularly concerned about the impact of the
industrial relations changes that John Howard is proposing.

"The Greens want to see workers and employers encouraged to provide
sustainable workplaces that deliver security, fair pay and conditions
which encourage time with families, friends and community participation.


Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146

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