[Greens-Media] Greens announce Penrith by-election candidate

[Lee Rhiannon]

Media Release - 14 May 2010 - Greens MP Lee Rhiannon and Suzie Wright

GREENS ANNOUNCE PENRITH BY-ELECTION CANDIDATE

The NSW Greens today announced well-known local environmental and
social campaigner Suzie Wright as their candidate for the Penrith
by–election on 19 June. Ms Wright was unanimously endorsed by local
Greens members.

Ms Wright, who has a grown family, was born and has lived in the area
all her life. She stood against former Labor MP Karen Paluzzano in the
March 2007 State election and was a Greens candidate for Penrith
Council in 2008.  She has been an active campaigner against climate
change and overdevelopment, including the controversial former ADI
site.

“It is time for a change in Western Sydney. Parents don’t reward their
children for bad behaviour, and neither should we reward bad
governments for the long-term neglect of a sustainable future for
Penrith,” Ms Wright said.

“The Greens will take on the big challenges facing Western Sydney.

“At this by-election, Penrith can hold the major parties accountable
for long-term failures in services, planning, transport and
infrastructure in Western Sydney.

“A vote for the Greens is a vote for sustainability, and a quality
life that respects both the views of others and the needs of the
environment.

Ms Wright plans to stand up to the big end of town. “Big developers
and their lobbyists have disproportionate access to politicians,” Ms
Wright said.

“In comparison, the community is lucky to get a few minutes of a
politician’s time over important issues like development of their
suburbs.

“The Greens are committed to sitting down and working with communities
to achieve just and sustainable outcomes to local problems.

“Many young people in our community know that we are headed in the
wrong direction and despair that our leaders will ever see the light
and put us on a more sustainable footing,” Ms Wright said.

NSW Greens MP and electoral spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said:

“Suzie’s long-term commitment to campaigning in the Penrith area makes
her a perfect candidate for this by-election.  Penrith is fortunate to
have a local candidate who is so strongly committed to creating a safe
and sustainable future for the area,” Ms Rhiannon said.

Contact: Suzie Wright - 0468 832 356, Lee Rhiannon – 0427 861 568
Photo of Ms Wright available on request. She will also be at an ADI
site development protest on Saturday 15 May, 12-2pm, Cnr Ninth Ave and
Northern Road, Llandilo.