[Greens-Media] Preferences key to Port Macquarie by-election outcome – Greens campaign to keep votes with progressive candidates

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
7 October 2008


Preferences key to Port Macquarie by-election outcome – Greens
campaign to keep votes with progressive candidates


Greens MP Lee Rhiannon joined Greens candidate Susie Russell on the
campaign trail in Port Macquarie today to urge voters to give their
number one vote to the Greens and then preference the four progressive
independents.

"Preferences in the Port Macquarie by-election will be critical to the
outcome. Voters need to carefully consider who they preference," Ms
Rhiannon said.

Greens candidate Susie Russell said "The Greens how-to-vote card shows
voters how to direct preferences to maximise the chances of a Greens
or progressive independent being elected as the next MP to represent
Port Macquarie.

"With no clear favourite it is likely that preferences will decide the
outcome. The Greens are recommending preferences flow to independent
candidates who have stood up for the community and the environment.

"This election could be very close so every vote is important and any
votes excluded because they haven't shown preferences would be a real
waste.

"The Greens are recommending voters who put a number 1 for Susie
Russell and then preference Lisa Intemann 2, Langley 3, Harrison 4 and
Besseling 5.

"An important part of this election campaign is to explain to voters
that it is important to allocate preferences and by following the
Greens how-to-vote card voters can be confident that their vote stays
with candidates who are committed to progressive policies for the
environment and their communities," Ms Russell said.

Ms Rhiannon said: " Voters would be unwise to give their preferences
to the National candidate, as the Coalition policies are weak in key
environmental and social justice areas.

"The Nationals have also voted to weaken laws protecting threatened
species and to give the Planning Minister excessive powers through the
Part 3A provision.



For further comment ring Susie on 0429 655 044 or Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568