[Greens-Media] Greens introduce Private Member’s Bill to protect Callan Park

[Susie Gemmell]

MEDIA RELEASE
7 September 2006

Greens introduce Private Member’s Bill to protect Callan Park


Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has introduced a Private Members Bill into the NSW Parliament to protect Callan Park from possible sale once the government’s new State Property Authority Bill is passed. 

“The Labor party has a tarnished record on Callan Park, so we need to close any loopholes that would allow this public asset to be sold,” said Ms Rhiannon.

“Four years after the Save Callan Park Bill was passed the Greens have introduced another Private Member’s Bill to ensure that Callan Park cannot be sold off by Labor.

“The Greens gave notice on 31 August of a new bill to exempt Callan Park from the new NSW State Property Authority Act in response to community concerns that this new legislation could be used to sell off Callan Park.

“The Greens’ State Property Authority Amendment (Protect Callan Park) Bill 2006 has been welcomed by Friends of Callan Park, who worked with the community and the Greens four years ago to pressure the Labor Government to leave Callan Park in public hands.

“I introduced the new Callan Park bill last week following a recent Greens led decision by Leichhardt Councillors to seek legal advice on whether the new State Property Authority Act will override the current Callan Park Act.

“Given Labor’s track record on Callan Park, the Greens want to be ready to act immediately if the legal advice reveals any threat to Callan Park.

“The Greens will be looking to Labor and the Coalition to support our Private Member’s Bill to rule out any speculation about the future of Callan Park.  

“The future of Callan Park needs to be resolved so that the community and the Greens can focus on the campaign to save Rozelle Hospital.

“I look forward to debating the Greens bill in upcoming weeks,” said Ms Rhiannon.

For more information:  - 0427 861 568 or 9230 3551



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Susie Gemmell
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Mon, Thur, Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile:  0431 458 102
Email   susie.gemmell at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web    www.leerhiannon.org.au