Media Releases

Greens discuss international student welfare in India

GemmaClark — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:55:12 +1000

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has participated in talks with Indian parliamentarians and journalists about the welfare of international students in Australia, saying the issue is clearly of concern to India.

Senator Hanson-Young is in India this week as part of a cross-party parliamentary delegation visiting Delhi and the Tibetan parliament-in-exile in Dharamsala (the first such delegation to do the latter).

“There is an understanding among the Indian parliamentarians and journalists that I have met with here that the issues affecting Indian students in Australia are more complex than just the recent vicious attacks in Melbourne and Sydney,” said Senator Hanson-Young from Delhi today.

“The Senate Inquiry I established last month will allow the Australian parliament to unpick just what those complexities are.

“The Greens hope the open, accessible and transparent process of a Senate Inquiry will throw a spotlight onto the realities, positive and negative, of Australia’s burgeoning international education sector.

“The Senate Inquiry should also highlight some solutions to move forward from the current situation, not only for the sake of international student welfare in Australia, but also our country’s reputation when it comes to international education.”

Senator Hanson-Young said the high level of concern in India over the treatment of its students in Australia was evident, with the Indian Supreme Court this week directing the Government there to investigate the safety of Indian students overseas.

“I look forward to returning to Australia with a deeper understanding of how Indian families feel about their children living and studying in Australia under the present circumstances,” she said.

Written submissions have opened for the Senate Education, Employment and Workplace Relations’ Committee’s Inquiry into the welfare of international students. The Inquiry is due to report back by 16 November 2009.

More info: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/eet_ctte/international_students/index.htm

Murray mess requires national takeover

GemmaClark — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:50:17 +1000

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says South Australia’s Lower Lakes and Coorong have been let down by long-term poor management that must be counter-acted by a national takeover of the Murray-Darling river system.

“The mess that the Murray is in shows that having multiple jurisdictions trying to manage our national waterway just doesn’t work,” said Senator Hanson-Young.“The river does not recognise state borders.

“We need one set of rules for one river system, and an authority with the teeth to manage it properly.

“The battle for the Lower Lakes’ survival is not just for South Australia to fight alone.

“The South Australian Government’s efforts haven’t managed to do the job, so intervention from above is needed.

“The Rudd Government must step in with a national takeover of our national river system, before it is all too late.”

Greens introduce equal marriage bill

GemmaClark — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:11:38 +1000

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young will today introduce a private member’s bill to grant same-sex couples equal marriage rights in Australia, and table along with it a 30,000-strong petition in support of legalising same-sex marriage.

The Marriage Act was amended under the Howard Government in 2004 to specify that marriage could be only a union between a man and a woman. Results of a Galaxy poll commissioned by Australian Marriage Equality released last week showed 60 per cent of Australians agree that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry in Australia.

“The Greens’ Marriage Equality Amendment Bill can bring Australia into the league of other forward-thinking nations who recognise that all couples should enjoy the right to marry,” said Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson on sexuality and gender identity.

“While last year we saw some historic leaps and bounds in removing discrimination against same-sex couples within this country’s federal laws, there was a glaring omission from that suite of legislation: marriage.

“It’s well and truly time our parliament rights this wrong and legislates for true equality.”

The Greens’ Bill will also repeal the prohibition of the recognition of same-sex marriages entered into overseas.

“It’s ridiculous that a same-sex couple married in Canada, for example, can step off the plane at Sydney International Airport and have their marriage considered invalid,” she said.

Senator Hanson-Young said the Australian community was broadly supportive of equal marriage, citing polls, petitions, and community attitudes

“I’ll be tabling a petition of over 30,000 signatures in support of equal marriage rights this afternoon when I introduce the Bill,” she said.

“The Rudd Government can no longer hide behind the lame excuse of the community not being ready for same-sex marriages happening in Australia – it’s the Rudd Government who needs to catch up with public understanding.

“Australia cannot truly hold its head up high while exhorting the virtue of acceptance and celebrating diversity without equal marriage laws.”

Lower Lakes still waiting for $10m bioremediation lifeline

GemmaClark — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:50:15 +1000

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says the federal Minister for Water must inform South Australia’s Lower Lakes communities about when they can expect $10 million worth of bioremediation programs to be rolled out.

The Greens negotiated $10 million of new money for bioremediation as part of the February stimulus package. Bioremediation is planting or mulching of soil that has become acidic due to drying out, trials of which have proven successful for the Lower Lakes.

“The window of opportunity is closing to make a real difference to the Lower Lakes,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“I asked Minister Wong today for an update on the implementation of bioremediation programs, as promised by the Government at the Greens’ request in the last stimulus package.

“However, the Minister could not provide me with a solid commitment on when the programs will be implemented, or when the local green jobs involved will be created.

“This bioremediation lifeline was negotiated back in February, and it’s now June. The Lakes cannot wait.”

Senator Hanson-Young said the program should be implemented as soon as possible, given the success of bioremediation trials in the area.

“Seeding for bioremediation must happen sooner rather than later, to buy the Lower Lakes some precious time.

“Local green jobs should also be prioritised for this Government, with its ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’ mantra.

“The $10 million bioremediation program, like other water programs negotiated as part of the stimulus package, must be rolled out as soon as possible to help those who are struggling to keep afloat in the lower reaches of the Murray.”

Greens recognise World Refugee Day with hope of abolishing detention debts

GemmaClark — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:16:22 +1000

The Greens have recognised World Refugee Day today, saying it should mark the start of better immigration policy and protection of human rights in Australia, including the abolition of detention debts.

“Today on World Refugee Day we recognise struggle but celebrate survival, courage and humanity,” said Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for Human Rights.

“Whenever I listen to the stories of those who have sought refuge in Australia, from places as far away as Sudan, Vietnam or Afghanistan, I am constantly inspired by the courage these people demonstrate to seek protection for their families.

“Today we should celebrate the rich diversity of our community brought about by groups of refugees over the years."

Senator Hanson-Young acknowledged the rise in displaced people around the world.

“Australia too has noticed the rise in people seeking refuge from around the world in recent months,” she said.

“Like all safe, secure, and lucky nations, we have a responsibility to offer protection to those seeking assistance.

“While we’ve seen a shift to a more humane approach to treating the world’s most vulnerable people, who are prepared to seek refuge by risking a dangerous passage to our shores, Australia still has a long way to go.

“For example, we still punish people for seeking refuge via boat, even when they have no other choice but to do so.”

Senator Hanson-Young said the Greens were looking forward to debating the Government’s legislation next week to abolish debts for immigration detainees who are granted refugee status.

“I look forward to voting to remove this harmful policy, that simply adds insult to injury for people who have done nothing wrong; done nothing but seek freedom and safety for their families,” she said.

“The Greens urge the Senate to make this year’s World Refugee Day the signpost to a more humane way forward for Australia’s immigration policy.”

Greens establish international student Inquiry

GemmaClark — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:43:51 +1000

The Greens have established a Senate Inquiry into the treatment of international students in Australia, saying the sector is being adversely affected by problems that require public consultation and close and transparent examination.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for Education, first called for a Senate Inquiry into international education in Australia on May 1, and this afternoon moved a motion to establish one, which was supported by the Senate.

“The Greens are glad the Senate has recognised the need to inquire into Australia’s international education sector,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“There are certain guarantees that Australia must be able to give its thousands of international students - who bring us more than $15 billion each year.

“Australia must be delivering a quality educational experience, above-board migration services, protection from workplace exploitation, accessible accommodation, adequate information, and decent efforts to ensure student safety, to fulfil our duty of care to international students.”

Universities Australia, the National Union of Students, the Migration Institute of Australia, the Federation of Indian Students, the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations, and the Australian Federation of International Students have voiced their support for the Greens’ Senate Inquiry.

“I look forward to participating in this Inquiry into Australia’s third-largest export; an export which is critical to Australia’s international reputation,” concluded Senator Hanson-Young.

The Senate Inquiry’s Terms of Reference are as follows.

That the following matters be referred to the Senate Education, Employment and Workplace Relations References Committee for inquiry and report by November 16 2009:
a) The roles and responsibilities of education providers, migration and education agents, state and federal governments, and relevant departments and embassies, in ensuring the quality and adequacy in information, advice, service delivery and support, with particular reference to:
• Student safety;
• Adequate and affordable accommodation;
• Social inclusion;
• Student Visa Requirements;
• Adequate international student supports and advocacy;
• Employment rights and protections from exploitation;
• Appropriate pathways to permanency

b) The identification of quality benchmarks and controls for service, advice and support for international students studying at an Australian education institution;

c) And other related matters.

Senate will inquire into rural and regional uni struggles in wake of Youth Allowance fallout

GemmaClark — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:58:13 +1000

The Greens look forward to consulting with rural and regional communities through a Senate Inquiry to better support aspiring tertiary students from those areas, in the wake of the Federal Government’s changes to Youth Allowance.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Nationals Senator Fiona Nash today jointly moved a motion to establish a Senate Inquiry into the challenges facing students from rural and regional Australia in accessing higher education, which was supported by the Senate. It is due to report by August 30 2009.

“The fallout from the Federal Government’s proposed changes to Youth Allowance, including the distressed reaction from rural and regional families and teachers, highlighted the need for a closer look at the particular challenges faced by country kids who want to go to uni,” said Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for Education.

“The Government has said that its Youth Allowance reforms were designed with the aim of better targeting student income support to those who are in need.

“The Greens can see there are young people in rural and regional areas who are disadvantaged because of where they live. The Government have failed to adequately target their reforms at this group of aspiring university students. And in the case of current gap year students, they feel like the Government’s collateral damage, as they will now not be entitled to the Youth Allowance they have earned.

“This Senate Inquiry will give rural and regional communities, who feel they have been forgotten in this student income support reform process, the opportunity to participate in open and transparent consultation.

“I look forward to meeting with students, parents, teachers and universities from around the country during this Inquiry, to work out the best ways forward to improve university access for all.”

Senator Hanson-Young said the Greens would still move to amend the retrospective effect of Youth Allowance workforce participation eligibility criteria being removed from January 1 2010 when the Budget measures legislation reaches the Senate.

“The Greens will move to push back the start date of the new eligibility criteria to 2011,” she said.

“Moving the goalposts halfway through the game for this year’s gap year students is just not fair play.”

The Senate Inquiry’s Terms of Reference are as follows.
An assessment of the adequacy of Government measures to provide equitable access to secondary and post-secondary education opportunities to students from rural and regional communities attending metropolitan institutions, and metropolitan students attending regional universities or TAFE with particular reference to:
a. the financial impact on rural and regional students who are attending metropolitan secondary schools, universities or TAFE;
b. the education alternatives for rural and regional students wanting to study in regional areas;
c. the implications of existing and proposed Government measures on prospective students living in rural and regional areas;
d. the short and long term impact of current and proposed Government policies on regional university and TAFE college enrolments;
e. the adequacy of Government measures to provide for students who are required to leave home for secondary or post-secondary study;
f. the education needs of rural and regional students;
g. the impact of Government measures and proposals on rural and regional communities; and
h. other related matters.

Greens welcome new poll showing majority of Australians support same-sex marriage

GemmaClark — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:13:46 +1000

The Greens have welcomed the results of a new poll showing three in five Australians support the right of same-sex couples to marry, saying the federal parliament must catch up with public opinion and move to make same-sex marriage legal.

The poll, commissioned by Australian Marriage Equality and conducted by Galaxy, found that 60 per cent of Australians believe that same-sex couples should be able to marry in Australia, and that 58 per cent believe that Australian law should recognise same-sex marriages that are legal in other countries.

“The Greens welcome this poll as proof that the community are streets ahead of the parliament in recognising the rights of same-sex couples to marry,” said Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for Sexuality and Gender Identity.

“The Rudd Government consistently refers back to its touchstone of reflecting ‘public opinion’ as its reason for opposing same-sex marriage, but this poll flies in the face of that excuse.”

The poll results were launched today in Parliament House by Senator Hanson-Young and Greens Leader Bob Brown, with Rodney Croome and Peter Furness from Australian Marriage Equality.

“While in the past year there have been some historic leaps forward in terms of removing discrimination against same-sex couples in Australian law, there remains one glaring omission from those advances – marriage,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“Legislative reform must continue until same-sex couples enjoy full marriage equality.

“It is ridiculous that someone who was married in Canada can step off the plane at Sydney International Airport and have their marriage considered invalid under Australian law.

“The ALP should ensure legal recognition of the rights of same-sex couples to marry is an agenda item for discussion at their National Conference next month.”

Senator Hanson-Young said the Greens would push on with their efforts to legalise same-sex marriage.

“The Greens have long campaigned to ensure same-sex couples enjoy equal marriage rights, and will continue moving amendments to Australia’s discriminatory Marriage Act until true equality is achieved,” she said.

Greens’ international education Inquiry reaches Senate

GemmaClark — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:34:40 +1000

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young hopes the Senate will support the Greens’ move for an Inquiry into the treatment of international students in Australia, which she will give notice of motion for today.

“A Senate Inquiry is needed to provide a transparent and inclusive process for working through some of the very concerning issues evident within international education in Australia,” said Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for Education.

“Recent violent attacks have cast a stark spotlight on some of the problems confronting international students in our country, and there are many more systemic issues that urgently require examination.

“Australia is enjoying a booming international education sector that has become our third-biggest export behind coal and iron ore – and it’s now time to make sure we are fulfilling all the responsibilities that come with such demand.

“We as Australians have a duty of care to ensure that the students attracted to our country are looked after properly in terms of their safety, welfare and rights.

“Adequate information, accessible accommodation, freedom from workplace exploitation, and delivering a quality educational experience are just some of the guarantees Australia should be able to give its thousands of international students.”

The National Union of Students, Universities Australia, the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations, the Federation of Indian Students and the Australian Federation of International Students have indicated their support for the Greens’ proposed Senate Inquiry.

Senator Hanson-Young said the Greens acknowledged initiatives announced last week by the Federal Government to improve the international education sector.

“We appreciate the Government’s attention to some of the issues, and see a Senate Inquiry as the best way for anyone, from students to state governments, to participate,” she said.

“The Greens are committed to providing an inclusive process to get all of the concerns currently troubling international education on the table.”

The terms of reference for the Greens’ proposed Senate Inquiry are as follows.
That the following matters be referred to the Senate Education, Employment and Workplace Relations References Committee for inquiry and report by November 16 2009:
a) The roles and responsibilities of education providers, migration agents, state and federal governments, and relevant departments, in ensuring the quality and adequacy in information, advice, service delivery and support, with particular reference to:
• Student safety;
• Adequate and affordable housing;
• Social inclusion;
• Student Visa Requirements;
• Employment rights and protections from exploitation; and
• Adequate international student supports and advocacy;
b) The identification of quality benchmarks and controls for service, advice and support for international students studying at an Australian education institution;
c) And other related matters.

Greens join with Coalition to move for Inquiry into rural, regional uni struggles

GemmaClark — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:21:55 +1000

The Greens have joined forces with the Coalition to move for a Senate Inquiry into how to better support rural and regional students in the wake of changes to Youth Allowance.

Today Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Nationals Senator Fiona Nash gave notice of motion to refer the Youth Allowance changes’ impact on rural and regional students to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee.

“The obstacles to accessing higher education for young people in rural and regional Australia deserve proper examination through a Senate Inquiry,” said Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for Education.

“The frustrated, angry reaction we have heard from young people, their families and teachers in rural and regional areas indicated to us that the Government had not properly thought through the impact of their proposed changes to Youth Allowance.

“The gap year has long been used as a legitimate way for young people to take a year to work, qualify as Independent and become eligible for income support while they study, especially if they must move out of home to attend university.

“Now that the Government is proposing the gap year become a thing of the past, we need to look at what young people in rural and regional Australia need to be supported in pursuing their university dreams.”

Senator Hanson-Young said the Greens would still move to amend the retrospective effect of the workforce participation eligibility criteria being removed from January 1 2010 when the legislation reaches the Senate.

“Moving the goalposts halfway through the game for this year’s gap year students is just not fair play,” she said.

“The Greens will move to push back the start date of the new eligibility criteria to 2011.”

The proposed Inquiry’s Terms of Reference are as follows.

That the following matter be referred to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 August 2009:
An assessment of the adequacy of Government measures to provide equitable access to secondary and post-secondary education opportunities to students from rural and regional communities attending metropolitan institutions, and metropolitan students attending regional universities or TAFE with particular reference to:
a. the financial impact on rural and regional students who are attending metropolitan secondary schools, universities or TAFE;
b. the education alternatives for rural and regional students wanting to study in regional areas;
c. the implications of existing and proposed Government measures on prospective students living in rural and regional areas;
d. the short and long term impact of current and proposed Government policies on regional university and TAFE college enrolments;
e. the adequacy of Government measures to provide for students who are required to leave home for secondary or post-secondary study;
f. the education needs of rural and regional students;
g. the impact of Government measures and proposals on rural and regional communities; and
h. other related matters.