The Australian GREENS

MEDIA RELEASE

PETER CAMPBELL, CANDIDATE FOR KOOYONG

Sunday 29 August 2004

Greens campaign for Kooyong

Peter Campbell, the Australian Greens Candidate for Kooyong, welcomes the calling of the Federal election by John Howard for October 9.

“It is a relief that the election has been finally called after months of the phony campaign. People have been very frustrated with the ongoing uncertainty and game-playing by John Howard about the election date.”

“Australia really needs fixed terms for Governments so that the focus is on governing rather than playing politics using taxpayer’s money”

"It's going to be a Spring election and I can see a great deal of Kooyong residents turning Green at this poll.

“There are not enough childcare or kindergarten places in the electorate - the Howard Government is failing to meet the needs of young families in Kooyong.

“The Howard government is below par on key environmental issues as well. We need to immediately protect Tasmania and Victoria’s unique forests and stop logging in Melbourne’s water catchments.

“Bass Straight oil reserves run out in 5 years and the gas reserves run out in 15. We must move towards sustainable transport solutions and invest in renewable energy technologies. I will pursue Federal funding for bicycle paths alongside roads and railway lines for both commuting and shopping, separate from the road network.

“We are also seeing a constant loss of open green space in Melbourne, such as the development planned for the Kew Cottages site. We need to preserve our open spaces for future generations and stop inappropriate development.

“We need to improve our treatment of asylum seekers and refugees. Locking these people and their children up in detention centers is not acceptable; they need to be treated in accord with basic human rights.

“Truth in Government is now a major issue in this campaign. Prime Minister John Howard knew there were doubts about claims asylum seekers threatened to throw their children overboard to force the Australian Navy to pick them up in 2001. His credibility is now in tatters.

"For many voters the Greens are going to be the growth spot in this election campaign as we provide a real alternative to both major parties." Peter Campbell said.

-ENDS-

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For more information, please contact:

Peter Campbell, Greens candidate for Kooyong, Telephone: 0409 417 504

Simon Lansdown, Media Officer, Telephone: 0415 535 564