[Greens-Media] Greens will test new Senate on day one

[Oquist, Ben (Sen B. Brown)]

Sunday, 7 August 2005

Greens will test new Senate on day one

The four Greens Senators will put the Howard Government's one seat
majority to the test on the first sitting day of the new Senate by:

	*	Nominating Senator Kerry Nettle for the President
against Liberal Paul Calvert
	*	Nominating Christine Milne, who has extensive
parliamentary experience in Tasmania, for the Deputy President against
incumbent Labor deputy John Hogg
	*	Moving Senator Brown's motion, introduced last June, for
Australian David Hicks to be returned from Guantanamo Bay to Australia
for trial 
	*	Reintroducing the Greens 2003 'Truth in Food Labelling
Bill' as farmers protest outside the parliament

"The Greens' action agenda will test both the old parties on the cosy
arrangement that the government selects the President and the opposition
the Deputy President," Greens Senator Bob Brown said.

"In terms of real capacity, the Greens' nominees should win.

"The Senate will need highly competent presiding officers this term and
that is what we're offering.

"On truth in labelling, both the Coalition and Labor voted down my move
to have 'Made in Australia' mean 100% made in Australia in 1998.

"Our 2003 truth in labelling bill to label all foreign food content as
well as GE-free foods and pesticides residue levels will be
reintroduced.

"It is time that the National Party, at least, joined the Greens in
insisting farmers and shoppers be able to easily see and rely upon 'Made
in Australia' labelling," Senator Brown said

Further information: Ben Oquist 02 62773170 or 0419704095