Dr McKelvie has welcomed Darren Chester's call for all candidates to support the Greens proposal for an increase in the aged pension.

"Darren's advisors seem to have forgotten that last year, Bob Brown put up two motions calling for the Federal Government to approve a $30 a week pension rise to increase their standard of living above the poverty line," said Green candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie. "The Coalition refused to approve both motions".

"Now they want us to agree with our own policy to increase the pension. We are more than happy to, and welcome Darren Chester aboard. However, we're not sure his party will join us "

"Last August The Greens also opposed any more increases in Parliamentary salaries until pensioners receive an increase. We haven't heard a squeak from the Nationals on this one either."

"For over 12 months the Greens have had the $30 a week increase as part of our policy, but we have heard nothing from the other parties in all this time. It'swonderful to note the sudden humanity that the old parties display in the runup to an election.

"After eight weeks of the Gippsland by-election campaign its great that theNationals are finally hearing aged pensioners. Now they just have to listen to the community concerns on climate change, GE foods and forests.

For further information please contact: Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615 Greens Candidate for Gippsland By Election 2008