The Victorian Greens have 2 elected representatives in federal government.
Dr Richard Di Natale represents Victoria in the federal Senate.
Adam Bandt MP represents the seat of Melbourne in the House of Representatives.
For State MLC media releases go here or for media coverage of Greens representatives in local government go here
Greens call for expanded bowel cancer screening program
Tue, 2012-02-21 15:15 — chris.maltby
Greens' spokesperson for health, Senator Richard Di Natale, is calling on the Government to fund the expansion of Australia's bowel cancer screening program as recommended by the Cancer Council in its pre-budget submission.
"Evidence shows that Australia's National Bowel Screening Program has been very successful in earlier diagnosis of disease, which leads to a better prognosis for patients and reduced costs on the health system.
Government baulked on removing ABCC coercive powers: Bandt
Thu, 2012-02-16 15:45 — chris.maltby
Greens MP and employment spokesperson Adam Bandt says the government lacked courage to remove coercive powers from the controversial Australian Building and Construction Commission. Mr Bandt said the government accepted some changes to the laws but unfortunately the bill that passed the house failed to restore equal rights to workers in the industry.
Bandt unsuccessfully moved amendments to remove the coercive powers. He also tried to limit the powers to more serious offences carrying a penalty of 12 months imprisonment.
However the Greens were able to negotiate changes to the legislation to remove double jeopardy provisions, which previously meant workers were able to be prosecuted for the same breaches twice.
Qantas cuts mean Fair Work Act must change: Bandt
Thu, 2012-02-16 15:43 — chris.maltby
Greens MP and industry and employment spokesperson Adam Bandt has said Qantas decision to cut jobs was made possible by Australia's unfair industrial relations laws. Qantas used an industrial atom bomb last year to avoid bargaining over job security by maintenance workers, Mr Bandt said.
Mr Bandt said his bill to amend the Fair Work Act would make job security an object of the Fair Work Act and limit employers' ability to use lockouts as a legal tactic.
"Qantas is continuing its off-shoring plan", Mr Bandt said.
Dental outcome a great start but more investment needed
Wed, 2012-02-15 11:42 — chris.maltby
Greens' spokesperson for health, Senator Richard Di Natale, said today that the $165 million secured yesterday by the Greens was a great first step but that he will be looking for a much more significant total investment in dental health in the May budget.
"The $165 million investment in dental health secured by the Greens has produced a double dividend for the health system. We've made a start toward Denticare and we've made the health system a little fairer," said Senator Di Natale.
"But much more needs to be done.
Greens secure $165 million for dental health
Tue, 2012-02-14 15:30 — chris.maltby
Greens' spokesperson for health, Senator Richard Di Natale, and Greens MP, Adam Bandt, said today that the Greens had secured $165 million in funding for dental health. The commitment to allocate the money raised by the Medicare Levy Surcharge towards dental care comes in response to the Greens support for passage of the Government's private health insurance package.
"Access to dental care is one of the biggest areas of inequality in Australia," said Senator Di Natale.
"The Greens have acted to correct that inequality by securing $165 million for dental health, which will be raised through the Medicare levy surcharge. The private health insurance rebate contributes to great inequity in Australia's health system and encourages the development of a two-tier, American style system. Means testing this unfair rebate is an important step forward.
The Government has a duty to end duty-free tobacco: Greens
Tue, 2012-02-14 14:09 — chris.maltby
Greens' spokesperson for health, Senator Richard Di Natale, said today that he was pleased to see that both old parties are considering joining the Greens' position of moving to abolish duty-free cigarettes.
"The availability of duty-free cigarettes and cigars at airports is a gaping hole in our nation's approach to tobacco control," said Senator Di Natale.
"The Greens have argued for some time that the we need to stop sending mixed messages on tobacco and end the duty-free concession. It was also a recommendation of the Henry Tax Review.
ANZ job cuts mean Treasurer should call Finance Industry Summit: Bandt
Mon, 2012-02-13 14:00 — chris.maltby
Greens' banking spokesperson Adam Bandt called on the Treasurer to hold a finance sector job summit in the wake of ANZ's announcement today to cut a thousand jobs.
Mr Bandt also called on Treasurer Swan to act on Lenders Mortgage Insurance after he acknowledged that it was a barrier to competition. He called on the Treasurer to back the Green's bill allowing insurance to be refunded when customers switch banks.
"A thousand jobs in finance should be just as important as a thousand jobs in manufacturing," Mr Bandt said.
Victorian pokies plan is like giving free beer to alcoholics
Sun, 2012-02-12 13:15 — chris.maltby
Greens' spokesperson for gambling, Senator Richard Di Natale, said today that linking loyalty rewards to voluntary pre-commitment is the same as giving free beer to alcoholics.
"It makes absolutely no sense to give problem gamblers an incentive to gamble, but that is exactly what the Victorian Government is considering," said Senator Di Natale.
"Giving free credits to people who are addicted to pokies is like giving free beer to alcoholics.
Greens defend universal healthcare
Wed, 2012-02-08 14:30 — chris.maltby
The Australian Greens today called for the government to split its private health reforms so that bills to means test the private health insurance rebate and the Medicare levy surcharge could be voted on independently.
"One of the key goals of health policy is to deliver healthcare to those who most need it at the lowest possible cost," said Greens' health spokesperson Dr Richard Di Natale.
"Forcing people into private health insurance through taxpayer subsidies doesn't just advantage people on higher incomes it makes healthcare more expensive overall.
Bank rate rises would break social contract: Bandt
Wed, 2012-02-08 13:30 — chris.maltby
Greens MP and banking spokesperson Adam Bandt has warned the banks against increasing rates following the RBA decision to keep rates on hold.
Mr Bandt says the banks would break their social contract with the Australian public and that he will move ahead with legislation to rein in the banks.
"If the ANZ or other banks hike their rates they risk breaking their social contract with the Australian people."