issues

Pushing for a NSW Container Deposit Scheme

Container deposits are a simple program of placing a deposit on a bottle, can or other container that is refunded when the container is returned, thereby giving consumers incentives to do the right thing. In a carbon constrained, sustainability conscious world, Container Deposit Legislation translates to avoided greenhouse gas emissions, avoided landfill space, avoided litter and avoided energy use.

Private Native Forestry

Since the inception of the Private Native Forestry Codes in August 2007, the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change have approved more than 100,000 hectares of native forest for logging on private land. With growing relevations about biodiversity challenges and carbon storage capacity it appears counter intuitive for the Department to be authorising the equivalent of 517 football fields to be logged.

Commercial Cultivation of Genetically Modified Crops in NSW

The NSW and Victorian Governments have now ended moratoriums on the cultivation of genetically modified crops. With GM Canola already in the ground and an expectation of the product landing on the family dinner plate before year's end it is becoming apparent the GM proponents mantra of 'choice' does not secure farmer or consumer choice to remain GM-free.

Marine Parks - Securing a Rich Tapestry of Biodiversity

Eighty percent of the New South Wales population reside within 3 km of the coastline with approximately one third of NSW coastal waters declared as marine parks . Marine and coastal environments are important components of local culture and the State economy . State marine parks are an important tool for managing marine ecosystems and resources.

Tibetan Self-Determination

Adjournment speech - 1st April 2008 In a 2005 article, Ms Rebiya Kadeer, a Uyghur human rights defender boldly stated: I am a terrorist. I would argue that I'm not, but because the Chinese Government says I am a terrorist, it must be true. A matter of weeks ago I harboured this so-called terrorist in this very Parliament.

Demand funding to tackle Aboriginal child sexual assault

The NSW government has refused to fund recommendations of a taskforce into child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities in NSW.

Sydney's farms under threat

Sydney’s 8000 farmers, worth $1 billion a year to the NSW economy and who supply us with most of our fresh greens and vegetables are in danger of being run out of town. Already we’ve lost hundreds of hectares of valuable, fertile and irreplaceable farmland in Parklea, Kellyville and Blacktown.

Saving the Endangered Grey Nurse Shark

There are fewer than 500 Grey Nurse Sharks left off the east coast of Australia. This harmless fish is one of the most critically endangered in NSW and it could face extinction within a generation.

Community and Disability Services: Equal Rights for All

People with disabilities missed out on the budget bounty this financial year. Unpaid carers and families of disabled people already save the government approximately $4.5 billion a year through the care that they provide. It is shameful that a Labor Government is stealing funds from the most needy people in society.

Peak Oil

Peak Oil begins with an undeniable truth - that oil is a finite resource. The question is: when will oil begin to run out? When will demand for oil outstrip supply? What are the consequences? The theory of peak oil, or Hubbert's Peak, suggests that the high-point of oil production is imminent and that the aftermath could be disastrous.