Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown today welcomed the Labor government's support for the Greens' bill remove the ability of federal ministers to override legislation in the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory and Norfolk Island.

The Australian Greens today urged federal and state leaders to boost mental health services and work towards a national, universal public dental care scheme amid the debate about the mechanism for health funding at Sunday's Council of Australian Governments meeting.

Senator Bob Brown and Senator Rachel Siewert urge state and federal leaders to boost mental health services and work towards a national, universal public dental care scheme.

Senator Brown also vows to take on Rio Tinto, whose profit bonanza will benefit its more than 70-percent foreign shareholders, and other heavyweights as companies prepare to fight efforts to develop an alternative to coal and the Greens’ push to put an effective price on carbon.

Greens Leader Bob Brown said today his aim is to give Australia progressive and prosperous governance in 2011, beginning with work towards a Gillard government carbon price to tackle global warming, stimulate the economy and generate new business opportunities.

"Amid more extreme weather events, which are occurring more frequently, the new year gives Australians a chance to think beyond ‘sides' and embrace effective, innovative and green ways of building a future for the developed economy that is most at risk from global warming," Senator Brown said.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown has vowed to again bring on debate early next year for his bill on the rights of Australian Territories to legislate for euthanasia laws if they wish.  

The Coalition and Senator Fielding combined this morning to block resumption of debate on the bill, which commenced in the Senate last sitting. 

"Territorians deserve the same rights as other Australians," said Senator Brown.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown says today's Senate debate on his private member's bill to restore territory rights on voluntary euthanasia is indicating a positive outcome.

"While four of the seven senators who indicated a position favoured the bill, the three opponents relied on their opposition to euthanasia and ignored the bill's democratic imperative.

"I expect doctrinaire anti-euthanasia arguments, but the argument for restoring territory rights is compelling and will win out," Senator Brown said.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown will use the first extended private members time in the new Parliament to re-introduce a bill to extend Territory rights and legalise euthanasia.

Senator Brown first moved the Restoring Territory Rights (Voluntary Euthanasia Legislation) in 2008.

The bill would restore the right of Territory Parliaments to pass laws that would allow terminally ill people to choose a death with dignity.

This right was taken away under the Howard Government.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown will use the first extended private members time in the new Parliament to re-introduce a bill to extend Territory rights and legalise euthanasia.

Senator Brown first moved the Restoring Territory Rights (Voluntary Euthanasia Legislation) in 2008.

"My bill would restore the right of Territory Parliaments to pass laws that would allow terminally ill people to choose a death with dignity," said Senator Brown.

"This right was taken away under the Howard Government.

Text of Senator Brown's speech. Check against delivery. A complete transcript will be available shortly.
You can also watch the speech on iView