"The PM's decision to back down or delay again on the equitable distribution of education funding for public schools is a disgrace. It has been Labor policy for years to address the creeping of funds to non-public schools such that one third of government funds reach public schools that teach two thirds of students" said Dr Malcolm McKelvie, Greens candidate for McMillan.
Carbon failure puts cart before horse in closing hazelwood
Michael Bond Greens candidate for Gippsland , said, “The Greens welcome the Brumby Governments announcement of a staged closure of Hazelwood power station. However it raises questions about what will replace it because previous governments have all failed to set Australia on a sustainable course with regard to Climate Change,”
Greens open Ballarat office for positive campaign
The Greens have opened a shop and campaign office in Little Bridge St, Ballarat.
“For the next two weeks, this shop will be our open door to the people of Ballarat and the region,” said Belinda Coates, Australian Greens candidate for Ballarat. “I encourage everyone to drop in and find out more about us and our broad range of policies.”
Preference power to the people
The Greens in the Ballarat electorate will be reinforcing the message that people control where their preferences go and strongly encouraging voters to make up their own mind.
"The Greens have moved to ban pesky and wasteful 'how-to-vote' cards but both Labor and Liberal opposed that move," said Belinda Coates, Australian Greens candidate for Ballarat.
"Unfortunately some people don't realise that 'how-to-vote' cards are just a guide and people have the power to choose exactly where their preferences go."
Greens blast funding cuts to the Gippsland Multicultural Services
Federal funding cut to Gippsland wide community run Multicultural Service of grave concern to Australian Greens.
Gippsland Multicultural Services has lost it’s “settlement funding” to other agencies despite 25 years of experience. Workers and Volunteers at the Multicultural Centre provided a service for newly arrived refugees and migrants who were on permanent visas.
Manage forests for all values
The Greens believe the topic of forest protection is a critical matter 
of concern for many voters in the Gippsland region as it is so closely linked to our clean secure water supplies, carbon storage, climate stabilisation and protection of rare and threatened wildlife.
“The Labor and Coalition parties are turning a blind eye to the devastation that is being wrought in the Strzeleckis and Central Highlands”, says Michael Bond, Greens Candidate for Gippsland.
“My great Uncle, John Youl, worked for the Forest Commission in the 1920s and through the Great Depression with postings throughout Gippsland including Yarram and Heyfield. He won an OBE for ‘services to the timber industry’ in 1970 and loved the forests. In those days small scale local timber-getting operators cut chosen trees only for sawlogs. Today the intensive clearfell operations of VicForests and HVP are driven by giant woodchipping interests and much of this is to supply overseas companies”, said Michael Bond “I think Uncle John would be horrified to learn what’s now happening to his beloved forests.”
Labor and Liberal climate policies cost jobs
Australian Greens candidate for Ballarat Belinda Coates says that both Labor and Liberal have simply moved to delay on climate change and it will cost the region jobs.
Greens Announce Brendan Powell as the Casey Candidate
The Greens have preselected Brendan Powell to run in the seat of Casey in this year’s federal election.
“The community wants positive change and action on transport, energy, a green economy, safety and social justice. This is what gets me energised about running as the Greens candidate for Casey."
Brendan has grown up in Melbourne’s Outer East and has been involved in sports and fitness. He has been a leader in his community as is demonstrated by his progress from local swimming club captain, to committee member and eventual lead coach.
“I have been involved in sports and fitness all my life and see the value both emotionally and physically of a healthy active life. This is one of the things that drew me to The Greens, our policies are based upon improving the health of the community by supporting healthy choices. A lot of illnesses can be prevented, our measure of success is that less people will need to use a hospital in the first place.”
The Greens understand that it’s not just about creating a green future but also creating jobs and opportunities for the Outer East.
