The Coalition’s announcement that they will hand out $34 billion in tax cuts over 3 years is unfair to the electorate of Macquarie and reckless.
Once again we see the blatant unfairness of John Howard’s Coalition Government. John Howard is proposing to spend Australian’s surplus on cutting tax rates, especially for high income earners, whilst neglecting investment in services and programs that will make a real difference.
Between 20-25% of households in the Macquarie electorate have a weekly household income of less than $600. Better health care, dental care and raises in pensions and benefits would make for a fairer society than tax cuts will.
Almost a quarter of all Macquarie citizens are aged between 5-24 years old, the key years for gaining an education. It is reckless to continue the neglect of our education system. We are lowest on the list of the 30 OECD countries in terms of our investment in early childhood education and 23rd lowest in our total public expenditure on education.
The Greens have called for a $7 billion injection of federal money to bring government spending on education in Australia up to the OECD average.
It is reckless to throw away our surplus on tax cuts when the Blue Mountains is already starting to feel the effects of climate change in the form of more hot days, bushfires, droughts and intense storms.
We need to invest in the research, development, commercialisation of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies that will put Australia back at the forefront of innovation.
We need sustained investment in areas which we know are going to make differences in people's lives. That is the fair and reasonable course of action. It is the action that the Greens will take.
19 October 2007
more..
Greens Macquarie election campaign - major issues
I'm glad that the Federal election has been finally announced for Saturday, 24th November.
I'm looking forward to the challenge of the federal election campaign, and especially to the promotion of The Greens policies, which are compassionate and forward-thinking.
The big issues for the Macquarie electorate include genuine policies for climate change, WorkChoices, education and better care for people including carers, pensioners and those in need of health services.
The Australian Greens will replace abolish Australian Workplace Agreements and protect penalty rates.
We have called for a $7 billion injection of federal money to bring government spending on education in Australia up to the OECD average.
The Greens will develop a nationally coordinated strategy that offers increased support for Australia's 2.6 million Carers.
The Australian Greens will raise aged pensions by $30 per week funded by scrapping the tax cut for those earning over $75,000 per year announced in this year's Federal budget.
We will reallocate the $3.5 billion of health funds going to private insurance companies to public health and hospitals.
It’s vitally important that we re-elect NSW Senator Kerry Nettle to rescue the Senate from control of the major parties. The Greens act as a brake on both the major parties. A change of Government won't be enough. We need The Greens in the Senate to keep the major parties honest on climate change and workers rights.
Greens Leader Bob Brown agrees. He says "The Greens have never been better prepared and will run the strongest election campaign ever as Australia's third political party. People are fed up with the Rudd-Howard 'me-tooism' have the Greens to vote for. I have never felt more confident."
15 October 2007 more..
I'm looking forward to the challenge of the federal election campaign, and especially to the promotion of The Greens policies, which are compassionate and forward-thinking.
The big issues for the Macquarie electorate include genuine policies for climate change, WorkChoices, education and better care for people including carers, pensioners and those in need of health services.
The Australian Greens will replace abolish Australian Workplace Agreements and protect penalty rates.
We have called for a $7 billion injection of federal money to bring government spending on education in Australia up to the OECD average.
The Greens will develop a nationally coordinated strategy that offers increased support for Australia's 2.6 million Carers.
The Australian Greens will raise aged pensions by $30 per week funded by scrapping the tax cut for those earning over $75,000 per year announced in this year's Federal budget.
We will reallocate the $3.5 billion of health funds going to private insurance companies to public health and hospitals.
It’s vitally important that we re-elect NSW Senator Kerry Nettle to rescue the Senate from control of the major parties. The Greens act as a brake on both the major parties. A change of Government won't be enough. We need The Greens in the Senate to keep the major parties honest on climate change and workers rights.
Greens Leader Bob Brown agrees. He says "The Greens have never been better prepared and will run the strongest election campaign ever as Australia's third political party. People are fed up with the Rudd-Howard 'me-tooism' have the Greens to vote for. I have never felt more confident."
15 October 2007 more..
Federal Labor funding for road bypass is irresponsible
The announcement by Shadow Minister for Transport, Roads and Tourism, Martin Ferguson, that a Rudd Labor government will spend $200 million building a road bypass around Mt Victoria and River Lett Hill to speed up heavy trucks is premature and economically, socially and environmentally irresponsible.
The ALP are planning to spend $200 million on a road before they've even begun Kevin Rudd's promised study of the long-term transport needs for the Central West.
Whilst we support minor safety upgrades of road black spots, in this era of climate change and increasing oil prices we should be funding rail not roads .
Rudd's promised study would find that the price of oil is rising, and will continue to rise. Recently crude oil prices reached $US80 a barrel - three times the price of five years ago.
The study should also draw on the CSIRO's report 'Climate Change in Australia', released this week. This report says 'unless the basic cause - globally increasing greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels - is dealt with, periods of water shortage will become more frequent and severe'.
Rail is more environmentally and economically more efficient because it uses one third of the diesel to move freight than trucks. And rail is twenty times safer than trucks to move freight.
We believe sensible investment in rail passing loops on the Blue Mountains and between Bathurst and Orange, and re-alignments of the track between Lithgow and Orange, would give trains a clear run, enabling freight heading to port or markets to meet deadline delivery schedules and making passenger rail travel times competitive with road.
Moving freight by rail is the cleaner, greener and safer option. The Greens will cut greenhouse gas emissions and restore the rural rail network.
5 October 2007 more..
The ALP are planning to spend $200 million on a road before they've even begun Kevin Rudd's promised study of the long-term transport needs for the Central West.
Whilst we support minor safety upgrades of road black spots, in this era of climate change and increasing oil prices we should be funding rail not roads .
Rudd's promised study would find that the price of oil is rising, and will continue to rise. Recently crude oil prices reached $US80 a barrel - three times the price of five years ago.
The study should also draw on the CSIRO's report 'Climate Change in Australia', released this week. This report says 'unless the basic cause - globally increasing greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels - is dealt with, periods of water shortage will become more frequent and severe'.
Rail is more environmentally and economically more efficient because it uses one third of the diesel to move freight than trucks. And rail is twenty times safer than trucks to move freight.
We believe sensible investment in rail passing loops on the Blue Mountains and between Bathurst and Orange, and re-alignments of the track between Lithgow and Orange, would give trains a clear run, enabling freight heading to port or markets to meet deadline delivery schedules and making passenger rail travel times competitive with road.
Moving freight by rail is the cleaner, greener and safer option. The Greens will cut greenhouse gas emissions and restore the rural rail network.
5 October 2007 more..
A well funded, independent ABC is critical to our democracy
I need to declare a conflict of interest. I am addicted to the ABC, and it is the ABC that is responsible for my becoming more aware, politically speaking.
It would be almost impossible for anyone to listen to ABC radio, either local or national, and not become more passionate about our national and state conditions, our world reputation, and our culture and society in general.
Sometimes it is just impossible to resist calling in and putting in my two bob’s worth. With presenters like John Cleary, who is brilliant as a facilitator and interviewer, with a bounty of knowledge and empathy, and James Valentine with his brand of tongue-in-cheek satire and cheeky intellect, the ABC offers a variety of choices for all tastes.
The ABC is one of the most respected institutions in Australia and has set an example for responsible journalism and innovative entertainment. A well funded, independent ABC is critical to our democracy.
The ABC could be considered to be a member of our families, as about 73% of Australians access an ABC service each week. This, sadly, has actually decreased from 86% in 1990.
There are now 5 million downloads a month including radio and television programs, of which the most popular is The Chasers’ War on Everything. Last week’s record ratings for the show was testimony to its appeal across a broad spectrum of viewers. It’s shows such as these which bring new viewers, who become attached, to the folds of the ABC, and have done through the decades.
The Greens policy requires that both ABC and SBS be governed by independent boards, with members being appointed on their merit and independence, through a transparent process, subject to approval by the Parliament, and including the re-instatement of the staff-appointed position on the Board.
The Greens believe that public ownership of essential communications infrastructure is in the best interests of society, and so that public broadcasting is accessible to all Australians, this should not be compromised. Network neutrality is important for an open internet, so that the ABC continues to be accessible.
Australia must have an independent regulatory framework for media and communications, ensuring diversity of opinion and ownership of media across Australia. ABC local and regional radio fills an invaluable role in this area since the loss of diversity as a result of cross-media legislation passed by the current government.
The Greens intend the ABC and SBS to be public broadcasters which are leaders in independent news, analysis and innovative programming and delivery, including high quality Australian content, with Australian film, television and new media sectors which are dynamic and innovative.
Media Watch provides a valuable input, not only for non-public media, but for the ABC as well, demonstrating its endeavour to maintain the integrity of the ABC Charter.
Among the changes in the latest edition of the ABC Editorial Policies is the board’s decision to state fundamentals in the preamble:
‘…The board is clear that the requirement of impartiality… does not oblige the ABC to be resolutely neutral on every issue. As an Australian public broadcaster, the ABC is committed to fundamental democratic principles including the rule of law, freedom of speech and religion, parliamentary democracy and equal opportunity. The ABC is not – nor can it be – detached from these fundamental democratic principles… It is through the prism of these values that the ABC regards the world.’
For the ABC to be a part of this ground-breaking movement ahead, continuing to lead the way in professionalism and responsible journalism, adequate funding must be forthcoming. The Greens will make funding to SBS and the ABC comparable to current per capita funding models for public broadcasting in the United Kingdom, which is currently three times the Australian per capita funding.
Although the funding to the ABC has increased, to around $850 million, in real terms, it has actually only increased by 3.28%, since 1990, when adjusted for inflation, according to The Friends Bulletin. This is the second lowest funding for public broadcasters throughout the world, and is only at a rate of 10.2 cents per day (per head). That’s minimal growth on the 8 cents a day of 1988 when you consider the increase of services and broadcast media.
ABC TV costs 36% of Australian commercial TV and 40% of Australian commercial radio. With limited funds and resources, the ABC provides an amazing service.
The recent dismantling of the Natural History Unit of production, almost under cover of night, is of concern. The $30 million of funding in the May 2007 budget ($10 million over three years) has been flagged to go to outsourced commercial production, (with Kim Dalton, Director of ABC TV endorsing this policy direction). This would be the first stage of annihilation, for internal production, and a sad outcome based on the ABC’s history of achievement.
The Greens would increase funding for research into the opportunities for Australian content and utilisation of new digital media, reflecting geographical and cultural diversity. Equitable access for all Australians is, once again, essential.
The Greens do not endorse advertising for SBS or the ABC. To maintain independence, diversity in content and format, and self-analysis without interference, advertising would have to be kept out of the equation. It almost goes without saying that pecuniary interest would lead to threats to loss of funding if public broadcasting is dependent on corporate finance. The expectation of the taxpayers, on the other hand, leads to greater transparency and integral devotion to the task.
In the words of Quentin Dempster, “Public broadcasters view their audiences as citizens in a democracy, to be informed, engaged and challenged through innovative, high quality and comprehensive programming, not as consumers to be delivered up to advertisers.”
One big idea is that a national public broadcaster is a necessary part of Australian culture, democracy and civil society. The ABC has evolved over several generations. The ABC is an aspect of the personality of this country. The proof of this is not just that it is beloved, but also that it is at times beleaguered. I feel like a trustee, with a temporary share of the responsibility for something bigger than any person, or group, or era. It is a feeling that daunts, but also nourishes.
Another big idea is that, in a democracy, public power that is not accountable is not legitimate. Media wield public power. Unless accountable, unless legitimate, media will not be trusted. If media are not trusted, a participatory democracy weakens.
Speech to the Friends of the ABC, 22 September more..
It would be almost impossible for anyone to listen to ABC radio, either local or national, and not become more passionate about our national and state conditions, our world reputation, and our culture and society in general.
Sometimes it is just impossible to resist calling in and putting in my two bob’s worth. With presenters like John Cleary, who is brilliant as a facilitator and interviewer, with a bounty of knowledge and empathy, and James Valentine with his brand of tongue-in-cheek satire and cheeky intellect, the ABC offers a variety of choices for all tastes.
The ABC is one of the most respected institutions in Australia and has set an example for responsible journalism and innovative entertainment. A well funded, independent ABC is critical to our democracy.
The ABC could be considered to be a member of our families, as about 73% of Australians access an ABC service each week. This, sadly, has actually decreased from 86% in 1990.
There are now 5 million downloads a month including radio and television programs, of which the most popular is The Chasers’ War on Everything. Last week’s record ratings for the show was testimony to its appeal across a broad spectrum of viewers. It’s shows such as these which bring new viewers, who become attached, to the folds of the ABC, and have done through the decades.
The Greens policy requires that both ABC and SBS be governed by independent boards, with members being appointed on their merit and independence, through a transparent process, subject to approval by the Parliament, and including the re-instatement of the staff-appointed position on the Board.
The Greens believe that public ownership of essential communications infrastructure is in the best interests of society, and so that public broadcasting is accessible to all Australians, this should not be compromised. Network neutrality is important for an open internet, so that the ABC continues to be accessible.
Australia must have an independent regulatory framework for media and communications, ensuring diversity of opinion and ownership of media across Australia. ABC local and regional radio fills an invaluable role in this area since the loss of diversity as a result of cross-media legislation passed by the current government.
The Greens intend the ABC and SBS to be public broadcasters which are leaders in independent news, analysis and innovative programming and delivery, including high quality Australian content, with Australian film, television and new media sectors which are dynamic and innovative.
Media Watch provides a valuable input, not only for non-public media, but for the ABC as well, demonstrating its endeavour to maintain the integrity of the ABC Charter.
Among the changes in the latest edition of the ABC Editorial Policies is the board’s decision to state fundamentals in the preamble:
‘…The board is clear that the requirement of impartiality… does not oblige the ABC to be resolutely neutral on every issue. As an Australian public broadcaster, the ABC is committed to fundamental democratic principles including the rule of law, freedom of speech and religion, parliamentary democracy and equal opportunity. The ABC is not – nor can it be – detached from these fundamental democratic principles… It is through the prism of these values that the ABC regards the world.’
For the ABC to be a part of this ground-breaking movement ahead, continuing to lead the way in professionalism and responsible journalism, adequate funding must be forthcoming. The Greens will make funding to SBS and the ABC comparable to current per capita funding models for public broadcasting in the United Kingdom, which is currently three times the Australian per capita funding.
Although the funding to the ABC has increased, to around $850 million, in real terms, it has actually only increased by 3.28%, since 1990, when adjusted for inflation, according to The Friends Bulletin. This is the second lowest funding for public broadcasters throughout the world, and is only at a rate of 10.2 cents per day (per head). That’s minimal growth on the 8 cents a day of 1988 when you consider the increase of services and broadcast media.
ABC TV costs 36% of Australian commercial TV and 40% of Australian commercial radio. With limited funds and resources, the ABC provides an amazing service.
The recent dismantling of the Natural History Unit of production, almost under cover of night, is of concern. The $30 million of funding in the May 2007 budget ($10 million over three years) has been flagged to go to outsourced commercial production, (with Kim Dalton, Director of ABC TV endorsing this policy direction). This would be the first stage of annihilation, for internal production, and a sad outcome based on the ABC’s history of achievement.
The Greens would increase funding for research into the opportunities for Australian content and utilisation of new digital media, reflecting geographical and cultural diversity. Equitable access for all Australians is, once again, essential.
The Greens do not endorse advertising for SBS or the ABC. To maintain independence, diversity in content and format, and self-analysis without interference, advertising would have to be kept out of the equation. It almost goes without saying that pecuniary interest would lead to threats to loss of funding if public broadcasting is dependent on corporate finance. The expectation of the taxpayers, on the other hand, leads to greater transparency and integral devotion to the task.
In the words of Quentin Dempster, “Public broadcasters view their audiences as citizens in a democracy, to be informed, engaged and challenged through innovative, high quality and comprehensive programming, not as consumers to be delivered up to advertisers.”
One big idea is that a national public broadcaster is a necessary part of Australian culture, democracy and civil society. The ABC has evolved over several generations. The ABC is an aspect of the personality of this country. The proof of this is not just that it is beloved, but also that it is at times beleaguered. I feel like a trustee, with a temporary share of the responsibility for something bigger than any person, or group, or era. It is a feeling that daunts, but also nourishes.
Another big idea is that, in a democracy, public power that is not accountable is not legitimate. Media wield public power. Unless accountable, unless legitimate, media will not be trusted. If media are not trusted, a participatory democracy weakens.
Speech to the Friends of the ABC, 22 September more..
Housing Crisis: Ordinary Families are Struggling
The older parties need to wake up to the seriousness of the housing crisis in Macquarie. A recent report by the Urban Development Institute has found that the price of housing in the outer fringe areas such as the Blue Mountains has soared.
Safe, affordable housing is a right, not a privilege.
The Greens policy is for the not-for-profit sector to provide long-term, affordable and secure rental options for lower-income people to a far greater extent.
Currently in the Mountains, 17% of houses are rental properties, in Lithgow, 22% and in Bathurst it is 31%. Nearly 2 out of 5 renters pay more than 30% of their income in rent. Some are paying more than 50%. For these people home ownership is simply out of their reach. They are forced to struggle with increasing rents and have little security of tenure.
We cannot underestimate the hardship that the lack of affordable housing places on people. Life for people on low incomes in the Macquarie electorate can be a real struggle. A whole generation of young people in the area is struggling to pay the rent.
The situation for home-owners is little better, as mortgage rates climb again. Their fears of being unable to meet repayments are compounded by the increasing uncertainty of long-term, full-time employment as employers switch to Australian Workplace Agreements which reduce employees’ certainty of a decent and regular income.
I challenge the member for Macquarie, Kerry Bartlett to commit to a 20% minimum of all new developments to be set aside for affordable rent or sale. For home-owners, The Greens would provide subsidies and tax incentives to ensure the growth of a greater supply of affordable housing.
The older parties have consistently ignored this problem until very recently. Only now, after housing affordability is out of control, have the older parties taken any notice.
While concentrating on mortgage interest rates and their persuasive effect on voting intentions, the old parties have paid scant attention to the plight of renters.
What is needed is a program of subsides and tax incentives designed to increase the supply of affordable housing for rent for low and middle-income earners. Labor’s new policy to provide tax incentives to the private sector does not go far enough.
The Greens are committed to action on housing. It will be a top priority for our Macquarie election campaign.
14 August 2007 more..
Safe, affordable housing is a right, not a privilege.
The Greens policy is for the not-for-profit sector to provide long-term, affordable and secure rental options for lower-income people to a far greater extent.
Currently in the Mountains, 17% of houses are rental properties, in Lithgow, 22% and in Bathurst it is 31%. Nearly 2 out of 5 renters pay more than 30% of their income in rent. Some are paying more than 50%. For these people home ownership is simply out of their reach. They are forced to struggle with increasing rents and have little security of tenure.
We cannot underestimate the hardship that the lack of affordable housing places on people. Life for people on low incomes in the Macquarie electorate can be a real struggle. A whole generation of young people in the area is struggling to pay the rent.
The situation for home-owners is little better, as mortgage rates climb again. Their fears of being unable to meet repayments are compounded by the increasing uncertainty of long-term, full-time employment as employers switch to Australian Workplace Agreements which reduce employees’ certainty of a decent and regular income.
I challenge the member for Macquarie, Kerry Bartlett to commit to a 20% minimum of all new developments to be set aside for affordable rent or sale. For home-owners, The Greens would provide subsidies and tax incentives to ensure the growth of a greater supply of affordable housing.
The older parties have consistently ignored this problem until very recently. Only now, after housing affordability is out of control, have the older parties taken any notice.
While concentrating on mortgage interest rates and their persuasive effect on voting intentions, the old parties have paid scant attention to the plight of renters.
What is needed is a program of subsides and tax incentives designed to increase the supply of affordable housing for rent for low and middle-income earners. Labor’s new policy to provide tax incentives to the private sector does not go far enough.
The Greens are committed to action on housing. It will be a top priority for our Macquarie election campaign.
14 August 2007 more..
Welcome to Carmel's blog
Hello and welcome to Carmel McCallum's blog.
Carmel is the Greens candidate for the Federal Seat of Macquarie.
Carmel is a member of the Blue Mountains Greens.
If you'd like to hand out how to votes on election day, Saturday 24 November, letterbox or offer other help, please contact us at macquarie[at]greens.org.au more..
Carmel is the Greens candidate for the Federal Seat of Macquarie.
Carmel is a member of the Blue Mountains Greens.
If you'd like to hand out how to votes on election day, Saturday 24 November, letterbox or offer other help, please contact us at macquarie[at]greens.org.au more..
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