11 things to celebrate in 2011!
1
Australia is moving to tackle climate change. Multi-party negotiations, begun by the Greens, delivered a carbon price on major polluters that will cut pollution and make clean energy cheaper. We’ve also secured over $10 billion in renewable energy investment, protection of biodiversity, a review of fossil fuel subsidies and much more.
2
The first Greens’ bill to ever pass Parliament means that residents in the ACT and Northern Territory can no longer have their laws struck down at the stroke of a Minister’s pen.
3
Marriage equality is closer than ever before. The Greens will have Equal Marriage Bills in both Houses of Parliament, ready and waiting for members of all parties to sign on to.
4
The Parliamentary Budget Office will independently cost the ideas and election promises for political parties and Independent MPs. This Greens’ initiative will help to avoid accountability problems like the Coalition’s multi-billion dollar costings black hole debacle.
5
Firefighters now have fairer access to compensation for work-related illnesses, after Adam Bandt’s bill passed Parliament.
6
The Greens’ 2011 Budget proposal to change outdated rules on company cars successfully saved $900 million and ended a massive fossil fuel subsidy. As if this wasn’t reason enough to celebrate – the Greens also restored $100 million to the Budget to invest in large solar plant construction.
7
High speed rail: Imagine travelling from Sydney to Melbourne in three hours…by train. High speed rail connections between the eastern capitals are a step closer to reality after a rigorous study, delivered following the Greens’ agreement with the Government, showed that it would be successful.
8
An independent inquiry into the Australian media is currently underway, looking at how well the Australian public is served by current media, ways to support media diversity and strengthen codes of ethical practice. You can follow the inquiry’s progress on Twitter at @AusMediaInquiry.
9
All asylum seekers will have their claims assessed in Australia after the High Court found offshore processing illegal.
10
Ten is the number of Greens MPs in the Federal Parliament! Our new Senators elected last year took office on July 1, and already the team have been kicking goals on coal seam gas, mental health, corporate donations, gambling reform and more. You can see more of their work at greensmps.org.au.
11
Denticare is now a priority for next year’s budget, after Senator Richard di Natale and the Health Minister announced the National Advisory Council on Dental Health. With 500,000 Australians on public waiting lists and millions unable to afford a visit to the dentist, it’s time to provide full dental coverage. For more info visit greensmps.org.au/denticare.