Gaping holes in Wiluna #uranium plan demand it be rejected – Greens #australia

Gaping holes in Wiluna uranium plan demand it be rejected – Greens
Media Release, Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam, Robin Chapple MLC. Monday October 31st

Toro Energy’s bid to mine uranium at Wiluna has raised a series of unanswered questions, WA Greens warned today.

In his submission to the Environmental Protection Authority, Greens Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam identified a several alarming holes in company’s impact assessment of the proposed mine.

“Only the first iteration of this project is being assessed. This project should not proceed until there is a full public inquiry as provided for under the Act into the wider environmental and public health consequences of uranium mining in WA, and full disclosure by the company as to the real scope of the project. This company has multiple targets on dozens of tenements across the north-east goldfields.”

Senator Ludlam said Toro’s application was startlingly incomplete.

“The company does not yet know from where it will source 35 million tonnes of groundwater over the proposed 14 year life of the mine. It does not yet have a coherent proposal for transporting the radioactive concentrate thousands of kilometres to the port of Darwin. Toro has not yet undertaken a formal assessment of security risks, despite acknowledging potentially high risks in the transport phase, and there has been no high volume air sampling for much of the 2010 sampling period.

“A formal agreement with Aboriginal Traditional Owners has not been signed and the mandatory heritage mapping survey has not yet been completed.

“Toro has not revealed estimates of future mine closure liability and has not submitted a final rehabilitation plan. This is remarkable given the company intends for post-closure liability to pass to Australian taxpayers only 10 years after mining ceases, though the consequences of the mine will endure for many centuries.”

Greens WA member for the mining and pastoral region Robin Chapple MLC said the “original EIS in March 1981 of the failed Lake Way project identified the need to build a new bore field for the Town of Wiluna as the water draw done would have posed a risk to the community. There is no such commitment or acknowledgment in the current referral relating to water drawdown or contamination”.

Senator Ludlam said it is ridiculous that the EPA is still precluded from considering the wider consequences of uranium exports – and restricted to assessing only the domestic impacts of the project.

“Australia’s general approach involves approving exports of this material while refusing any liability for the risks inherent in fissioning the product in reactors, let alone contemplating the fact our uranium exports facilitate diversion of other sources into nuclear weapons production.

“If the events following the triple-meltdown in Japan have taught us anything, it is that the calculated ignorance of Australian policy makers as to the consequences of this trade is no longer supported by the majority of Australians, and should be brought within the remit of the EPA.”

Media Contact: Giovanni Torre – 0417 174 302

#OWS gets a noted ally: Dr. David Suzuki endorses the Occupy Movements

New post on Occupy Cyberspace – American Autumn OWS gets a noted ally: Dr. David Suzuki endorses the Occupy Movements by TooDamnEZ David Susuki Dr. David Suzuki endorses the Occupy Movements of The World and slams the system of corruption where "Corporate Greed" is controlling the society of all peoples of the world. Destroying humanity and our entire planet in the process. People simply must wake up and end this fools game! All groups with issues about society, the environment, health care, seniors, what have you. You are only fighting one symptom and will never will the real battle. A government which is no longer really listening, it’s their way regardless of the harm it inflicts on innocent taxpayers. They are our servants, we pay their wages / their benefits / their vacations, and we also pay for their mistakes, dearly. End this fools game, All groups come together and support the Occupy Movement in your area. Their goal is the head of the beast causing all your problems & theirs. Get the bigger picture, it’s not about you. It’s about us, all of us who breathe air. United we stand, divided we fall. Plain and simple. Stand up together and we all will win ! David Takayoshi Suzuki, CC, OBC (born March 24, 1936) is a Canadian academic, science broadcaster and environmental activist. Suzuki earned a Ph.D in zoology from the University of Chicago in 1961, and was a professor in the genetics department of the University of British Columbia from 1963 until his retirement in 2001. Since the mid-1970s, Suzuki has been known for his TV and radio series and books about nature and the environment. He is best known as host of the popular and long-running CBC Television science magazine, The Nature of Things, seen in over forty nations. He is also well known for criticizing governments for their lack of action to protect the environment. A long time activist to reverse global climate change, Suzuki co-founded the David Suzuki Foundation in 1990, to work "to find ways for society to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us." The Foundation’s priorities are: oceans and sustainable fishing, climate change and clean energy, sustainability, and Suzuki’s Nature Challenge. He also served as a director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association from 1982-1987. Suzuki was awarded the Right Livelihood Award in 2009 TooDamnEZ | October 29, 2011 at 6:02 pm | Tags: Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Climate change, David Suzuki, Nature o f Things, Right Livelihood Award, Suzuki, University of British Columbia, University of Chicago | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: http://wp.me/p1UwKe-5k Comment See all comments

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#occupyperth peaceful protest – the conversation begins :o)

#Anonymous Speaks: A message to injured ex-Marine Scott Olsen of #OccupyOakland @occupymarines

New post on Occupy Cyberspace – American Autumn Anonymous Speaks: A message to Scott Olsen of Occupy Oakland by TooDamnEZ Scott Olsen Scott Olsen, it has come to our attention that you have been critically injured by the Oakland Police Department for standing up for the American peoples’ First Amendment Rights. The honor and courage you have displayed on the battlefield is only overshadowed by the cowardice and dishonor displayed by those who have committed these inhumane crimes against you. As you stand in solidarity with the people of the world, Anonymous stands in solidarity with you Scott. A bullet to the head of our brother is a bullet to the head of us all. We may not share the physical pain and hardships you are enduring, but know that we feel the emotional turmoil that comes along with this injury that being inflicted on you has been inflicted on all free Americans. Disclaimer:As with all messages of this type, the validity of it’s authorship has yet to be ascertained TooDamnEZ | October 28, 2011 at 9:18 pm | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: http://wp.me/p1UwKe-5e Comment See all comments

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#occupyperth all the livestream videos a

#occupyperth all the livestream videos are here: ) well done @kuran777 http://www.ustream.tv/channel/occupyperthwa #ows

#PBS NewsHour and the One Percent #journalism #media #news #occupywallstreet via #FAIR – Fairness In Accuracy & Reporting

Action Alert NewsHour and the One Percent PBS newscast presents the upside of inequality 10/27/11 With protesters around the country speaking out against income inequality, public television’s flagship newscast made time on October 26 for the pro-inequality side to be heard, featuring a guest who invoked a phony Abraham Lincoln quote to make his case. NewsHour anchor Jeffrey Brown explained that in the segment, correspondent Paul Solman "gets a contrarian view, suggesting inequality in a free market system may not be as bad as advertised." The guest was New York University law school professor Richard Epstein, who presented a John Stossel-style view of the economy: "Inequality creates an incentive for people to produce and to create wealth," raising taxes on the wealthy would harm the economy, and the "fundamental truth is the tax system is more redistributive than it was before… and the regulatory burden on the economy is vastly greater." PBS should have disclosed that Epstein is also a director at Global Economics Group, a corporate consulting firm that advises on issues like financial regulation and employment law. When asked if the top one percent have too much control over the political system, Epstein replied: Of course they have a disproportionate impact, but that doesn’t mean that they control it. They also ought to have it. The last thing you would want to do in any kind of sensible society is to have a set of rules in which one man/one vote dictates over every issue. The piece closes with Epstein invoking Abraham Lincoln: I’m going to quote Abraham Lincoln, because I like to do that–which is, he said, quite rightly, that you do not make the poor rich by making the rich poor. The NewsHour should, at the very least, tell its viewers that this quote is a well-traveled hoax. It’s been falsely attributed to Lincoln for the better part of a century, and has been debunked almost as long. The New York Times (8/19/92) and CNN (8/19/92) pointed out that Lincoln hadn’t said those words when Ronald Reagan misquoted him in a 1992 speech. In 1996, Rush Limbaugh admitted that he too had falsely attributed the quote to Lincoln (Extra!, 4/10). Even better, the NewsHour could explain to viewers why it’s so eager to present segments that portray economic inequality as no big deal. Brown’s introduction called this a "contrarian" view, but defending inequality is hardly contrarian in elite media–including on the NewsHour. On September 21 Solman presented a segment featuring American University economics professor Robert Lerman, who was critical of a previous NewsHour broadcast for apparently being too one-sided: "It would be nice if there was more equality, but let’s not overdo it." Lerman’s point was that seniors enjoy vast riches in the form of Social Security and Medicare (FAIR Blog, 9/23/11). The segment included a visit to a nursing home, where Solman informed one resident that "Medicare is like a stash of wealth that you’re now drawing on." Public broadcasting is supposed to be dedicated to showcasing viewpoints that "would otherwise go unheard" in commercial media. Voices championing inequality are heard loud and clear in the corporate media; public television should be doing something different. ACTION: Tell the PBS NewsHour to issue a correction explaining that guest Richard Epstein invoked a false Abraham Lincoln quote to support his pro-inequality argument. And ask the show why it is so eager to feature one-on-one interviews with guests who downplay–if not outright celebrate–economic inequality. CONTACT: PBS NewsHour onlineda2 Phone: 703-998-2150

TAKE ACTION! ACTION: Tell the PBS NewsHour to issue a correction explaining that guest Richard Epstein invoked a false Abraham Lincoln quote to support his pro-inequality argument. And ask the show why it is so eager to feature one-on-one interviews with guests who downplay–if not outright celebrate–economic inequality. CONTACT: PBS NewsHour onlineda2 Phone: 703-998-2150 Please post copies of your letters in the comments section on the FAIR Blog

Help protect #australia #indigenous Rock Art, older than the pyramids, under threat from resource dev. – FARA: Forthcoming events

FORTHCOMING EVENTS For FARA supporters Saturday 5 November: FUNDRAISING ART SALE Small Aboriginal artworks by Yindjibarndi artists, Yuendumu artists and Loreen Samson. All great and at bargain prices! Good for Christmas presents. Where: TAFE Showcase Gallery, Cnr Aberdeen & Beaufort Streets, Northbridge When: 2 – 4:30pm, refreshments provided For a preview of selected works see our interim website www.rockart.net.au. Apologies to those out of town but we will upload any remaining works on the website after the sale for you to purchase…. Saturday 19 November: STRATEGIC PLANNING DAY 2011 John Black returning for a review and follow-up planning session. All welcome! Where: Robin Chapple’s office, 41 Havelock Street, West Perth When: 1:30 – 5pm, refreshments provided We have achieved so much in the last year and this is our chance to set priorities for 2012 that extend our efforts to secure the protection of the precious Burrup rock art. Please RSVP for catering purposes. Tuesday 22 November: FARA AGM Come and hear all about our exciting achievements! Consider joining the Committee and sharing in the real action. Where: Lotteries House, 2 Delhi Street, West Perth When: 7 – 8:30pm, a small plate would be much appreciated REMEMBER: Join or renew your membership of FARA ASAP. You can pay on the night. Please RSVP. 6th ANNUAL BURRUP TOUR Now extended to nine days! When: 11-19th August, 2012 Price: $1950 ($250 deposit due by May 1st) Contact: June Moorhouse at contact or 0418 920 435 If you had a great time on the tour – spread the word ASAP as we have a substantial waiting list already. Best wishes to all and hope to see you at these events Judith Hugo Co-convenor, Friends of Australian Rock Art jhugo 0439 090 321 Friends of Australian Rock Art Inc.

#australia Raids, forbidden zones and random searches – CHOGM in Perth under Colin Barnett

Raids, forbidden zones and random searches – CHOGM in Perth under Colin Barnett
Media Release: Alison Xamon MLC and Senatorfor Western Australia Scott Ludlam, Wednesday October 26th

WA Greens have warned against growing hysteria around security for the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting in Perth.

East Metropolitan MLC Alison Xamon said reports of police raids on the homes of protest organisers last week had unfortunately set the tone for the upcoming event.

“We’ve been advised that the Organised Crime Squad and State Security were involved in the raids, and that people were held for hours in custody – in a case said to involve the word ‘protest’ allegedly being spray-painted on grass. That seems like an extraordinary over-reaction.”

Ms Xamon said the CHOGM security laws introduced by the Barnett government and their heavy-handed implementation had cast a pall over CHOGM.

"During the debate on the CHOGM laws the WA Government gave clear assurances that the police powers they were introducing were not intended to capture ordinary citizens engaging in non-violent protest, but would be used only against people who posed a real security threat. That is clearly not the way the laws are now being used.”

Ms Xamon said the CHOGM laws had given the Police Commissioner the power to ban people from the city with no transparent or appealable justification.

“The Greens agree with Justice Michael Kirby that demonstrations within a democratic country are an expected part of the democratic process. CHOGM is an opportunity for ordinary citizens to bring forward concerns about a variety of issues in a non-violent way. Perth people have a right to expect that they won’t be subject to excessive and repressive police powers. Whether people agree with them or not, demonstrators have a right to protest and this right needs to be respected.”

Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam noted that “peaceful West Australians are being treated like potential criminals while the red carpet is being rolled out for visiting heads of government – some of whom, allegedly, are actual criminals”.

“This month a one-time ally of Rwandan President Paul Kagame accused him of complicity in the killing of a former president which sparked the 1994 genocide. A French judge raised the same accusation in 2006, and there is ongoing political repression in Rwanda. In regards to Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapakse; US Embassy officials and the International Council of Jurists are among many who have raised allegations of war crimes and the Australian Federal Police are currently reviewing evidence against him. Yet these two individuals are welcome while law-abiding locals are banned.”

The Greens warned against the impact of the CHOGM laws when they were proposed in February: http://www.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/greens-warn-extreme-police-powers-wa

Media Contact: Giovanni Torre – 0417 174 302

#CHOGM For #Rwanda ’s sake, the Commonwealth must get relevant – Friends of Rwandan Greens

MEDIA RELEASE:Friends of Rwandan Greens
Perth, Australia : 27 October 2011

The President of the Opposition Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Frank Habineza has travelled to Australia to share with the Commonwealth family what is happening in Rwanda, because in his own country he cannot speak out. Mr Habineza’s Party Vice-President was murdered in suspicious circumstances before the 2010 election.

“For Rwanda’s sake, the Heads of State must support the Eminent Persons Group recommendations this weekend to ensure that the Commonwealth can speak out when its values are violated in Rwanda,” said Frank Habineza, President, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda.
“After two days of participation in workshops at the Commonwealth Peoples Forum, I can confidently say that if the recommendations from the Eminent Persons Group are not implemented then neither Australia nor any other Commonwealth nation will be able to ensure democracy and human rights in Rwanda,” said Mr Habineza.
“Without reform the Commonwealth will lose the respect of the community if it just watches rogue member governments oppress their people. People will only stay engaged in the Commonwealth if they see it taking credible action when members are undemocratic – and this means reforms have to occur to the way the Commonwealth does business.”

“Rwanda joined the Commonwealth in 2009 despite serious concerns being expressed about intimidation of opposition parties and the independent media. Since joining the Commonwealth the oppression and violence against opposition and media has got worse, not better!” said Mr Habineza.

“In 2009 Commonwealth members like Australia said that granting Rwanda membership would help to entrench the rule of law and support democracy. But without reforms to the way the Commonwealth acts, it will not be able to deliver on this promise and the Rwandan Government’s practises will bring down the reputation of the Commonwealth,” said Amy Tyler, Spokesperson for Friends of Rwandan Greens.
“The Rwandan people deserve democracy and a free media and the Commonwealth can help deliver this, if the Heads of State agree to the core recommendations of the Eminent Persons Group, including the reform of the Ministerial Action Group and the appointment of an independent human rights commissioner.”

“The Commonwealth must acknowledge the responsibility that they have assumed by accepting Rwanda into the Commonwealth family. I am very concerned that the Commonwealth membership is being used as a public relations cover for the Rwandan Government while they engage in extremely undemocratic behaviour at home,” said Ms Tyler.

Ms Amy Tyler
Spokesperson for Friends of Rwandan Greens
Email: 22tyler
Ph 0400 550 140
Facebook Group: Friends of Rwandan Greens

#SeaShepherd Australian E-News – Japan Whaling final stand

Dear Tony, We are determined to make this our last campaign in the Southern Ocean. Operation Divine Wind will see us heading to Antarctica this summer to hopefully end the illegal whale hunt once and for all. Soon all three of our ships – the Steve Irwin, Bob Barker and Brigitte Bardot – will be in Australia preparing for the campaign. November will also see Captain Paul Watson in Australia, appearing as a special guest at a number of Operation Divine Wind fundraisers around the country. In Australia we are in an amazing position to be able to support the ships before they set off to protect the whales, and year after year we have seen an amazing amount of support from our local allies. Your assistance is priceless to us. Please consider making a donation so that we can continue to effectively shut down the Southern Ocean whaling industry and make an impact on many other fronts worldwide. Reflecting on the amount of passion and support in Australia for Sea Shepherd’s work, we thought it was due time that we created a local e-newsletter for updates specific to this region. Sea Shepherd Australia continues to grow in leaps and bounds, and we would love to share with you some of the exciting things that we are doing. Captain Paul Watson in Australia Captain Paul Watson will be visiting Australia in November and attending a number of fundraisers for the upcoming Operation Divine Wind. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Paul Watson speak and support the crew heading off to the Southern Ocean to protect the whales. Palm Beach – Living Ocean Celebration Nov 6, Palm Beach Boat House For tickets and info Living Ocean website Sydney – A Night With The Captain Nov 11, The King St Brewhouse, King St Wharf. For tickets and info www.seashepherd.org/sydney Perth – Captain Paul Watson, One Night Only Nov 12th, The Astor, Mount Lawley For tickets and info BOCS ticketing Brisbane – Cocktails with the Captain Nov 16, Kedron – Wavell Services Club Community Centre For tickets and info www.seashepherd.org/brisbane Melbourne – For The Salty Ones Nov 17, The Espy, St Kilda For tickets and info www.seashepherd.org/melbourne Geelong - An Evening with Captain Paul Watson, Dave Hughes and Cameron Ling for the Whales Nov 20, The Pier, Geelong For tickets and info www.seashepherd.org/geelong Galapagos Filming Project Since 2000, Sea Shepherd has maintained a strong, positive presence in the Galapagos Islands. From helping the local authorities in patrolling the Marine Reserve in a bid to stop illegal fishing activities, to busting shark finners, to educating the local youth, Sea Shepherd carries out its mission of promoting ocean conservation using a wide range of methods and actions. Sea Shepherd Australia recently sent Australian Director, Jeff Hansen and volunteer videographer Tim Watters to the Galapagos Islands in order to put together a documentary on the work Sea Shepherd is doing there. Captain Alex Cornelissen, Sea Shepherd Galapagos Director, with Australian Director Jeff Hansen out the front of the Isabella police dog K9 kennels, funded by Sea Shepherd Fremantle. Read more about their trip Sea Shepherd Australia Enlists Cetacean Vet Dr Verné Dove We are proud to announce the appointment of Dr Verné Dove as a volunteer Cetacean Vet Field Agent. A passionate supporter, Dr Dove, will assist Sea Shepherd in a volunteer capacity when and where she can. Sea Shepherd volunteers often assist with cetacean strandings under the instruction of Government environment bodies and the appointment of Dr Dove provides an amazing opportunity to engage and utilise her expertise to assist in this area. Learn more about Dr Verné. Profile: North Qld On-Shore Volunteer Coordinator Helen Robertson Meet our fantastic new North Queensland Coordinator Helen Robertson, based in Cairns. Helen is running one of a number of new chapters starting up in Australia. It is exciting to see the organisation growing so much! You can find out more about Helen by reading her profile. New Faces in the Sea Shepherd Australia Head Office Our Melbourne office has seen some big changes recently. We lost the amazing Gillian Forbes as Australian Coordinator, who did an incredible job building Sea Shepherd Australia’s presence and profile over the past 2 years. We wish Gillian the best of luck in her future endeavours, and many thanks for her priceless contributions to SSCS. Our new Australian Coordinator is Lilia Letsch, working alongside the new Australian Outreach Assistant Amanda Watters. It’s great to have some new faces and fresh energy in the office! L-R: Lilia Letsch and Amanda Watters We are on the brink of shutting down whaling in our Southern Ocean. Our tactics continue to be extremely effective, but we have only been able to practice them with your material, financial and moral support. I hope to see you at one of the upcoming fundraisers, but if you can’t make it please continue to support us in this winning battle for the whales. Thank you. For the oceans, Jeff Hansen Australian Director Sea Shop Check out the amazing new Sea Shepherd Hemp Hoodlamb jackets. Limited stock left, so get in quick if you want one of these must-haves. Tour the Bob Barker in Sydney The Bob Barker will be docked in Circular Quay, Sydney, from Nov 10-12. It will be open for public tours, so come along and meet the crew and see where all the action happens! Marine Sanctuaries Update for South West Australia Thanks to all your submissions, a record 42,000 people lodged a pro-sanctuary submission calling for large marine sanctuaries in Australia’s SW. This is the highest number of submissions ever sent to a government process on a conservation issue in Australia! Find out more about the ongoing campaign. Give Events Want to meet your fellow Sea Shepherd’s? Come to one of our Australian events. Sydney • Nov 6 • Nov 10 • Nov 11 • Nov 12 • Nov 13 Brisbane • Nov 6 • Nov 12 • Nov 19 Melbourne • Nov 6 • Nov 12 • Nov 17 • Nov 20 Perth • Oct 29 • Oct 30 • Nov 12 Adelaide • Nov 19 Gold Coast • Oct 28 Sunshine Coast • Nov 4 – Dec 1 • Nov 15 Follow Us Remove My Name from Future Mailings | Privacy Policy Sea Shepherd Australia 7/288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065 (03) 9445 0323 Share on Facebook

The SOURCE of all good things….

As part of the Pro Bono Australia community, you’ll know that we act as major online resource hub for people engaged with Australia’s Not for Profit Communities. You’ll also know that we’ve been around for over 10 years and know and understand the sector in depth. We’ve identified over time that whilst there are over 600,000 Not for Profit organisations in Australia, employing over 890,000 people and engaging 4.6 million volunteers annually, that: 1. Currently there is nowhere Not for Profit organisations can find suppliers of goods and services who understand the particular needs of the Not for Profit sector. AND 2. Many suppliers have difficulty identifying how to market their goods and services to Not for Profit organisations in an efficient and cost effective way. So, after many years of working with community organisations in both our professional and voluntary capacities, we’ve identified the need for a directory that specifically assists Not for Profit organisations in finding goods and service providers who know and understand the specific requirements of the Not for Profit sector. And we’ve named it Source. The Source Guide Distribution: 10,000 printed copies – Will be sent free of charge to key Not for Profit decision makers (CEO’s, CFO’s and HR Managers) More than 400,000 – our annual website visitors will be able to access the online Source Guide. If you know a product, service or supplier that helps Not for Profit organisations, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss the best way to be listed in the directory , please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We have some great introductory offers for our inaugural edition. Click here to find out more. Many thanks, The Pro Bono Australia Team. follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook

Rwanda at risk of becoming another Zimbabwe – #CHOGM Greens

Rwanda at risk of becoming another Zimbabwe

Media Release: October 26th, 2011

Australia and other Commonwealth Governments naively believed admission to the Commonwealth would support Rwanda’s path to democracy, but human rights abuses have continued and worsened, President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Frank Habineza, and Australian Greens Leader, Bob Brown, warned today.

"The Commonwealth should take action or risk Rwanda becoming another Zimbabwe. Without swift action, the calls will become louder to suspend the Commonwealth’s newest member," Senator Brown said.

"The entry of Rwanda into the Commonwealth in 2009 was allowed despite suspicions of political abuses being undertaken by the Government. A coalition of Greens in Commonwealth nations, including Senator Brown, warned against Rwanda being admitted without conditions being placed on its entry," Mr Habineza said.

"The 2010 Presidential elections saw the Kagame government becoming increasingly intolerant towards the central role that opposition parties and a free media have in robust democracies," Mr Habineza said.

Senator Brown and Mr Habineza call on the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to undertake the following steps in the next 12 months:

• Fund the provision of ballot box seals which are uniquely numbered or identifiable, to ensure security seals are a security feature for the next Chamber of Deputies election in Rwanda in 2013;

• Provide observers to oversee the registration of opposition political parties in the six month leading up to the next election, and advise if there have been irregularities in this process;

• Request the Government to re-open the investigation into the death of the Green Party Vice President, Andre Kagwa Rwisereka which occurred on 14 July 2010;

• Seek input from civil society organisations like Friends of Rwandan Greens; and,

• Pressure the Rwandan Government to release political prisoners and jailed journalists, and letting the independent media operate freely.

"Around the globe Green MPs will be watching to ensure the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group is taking active steps to improve democracy in Rwanda," Senator Brown said.

Concerns have already been expressed by Human Rights Watch, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Amnesty International and also the Commonwealth Observer Group that democracy in Rwanda is being undermined.

Mr Habineza is in Perth and available for interviews.

Media Contact: Giovanni Torre – 0417 174 302

#australia Greens Senator corners Gillard Govt over #Wikileaks Fwd: Government must reveal what it knows of the campaign against WikiLeaks – WA Senator

Government must reveal what it knows of the campaign against WikiLeaks – WA Senator

Media Release: Senator Scott Ludlam, Tuesday October 25th, 2011

Australian Greens spokesperson for communications, Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam, has called on the Government to reveal its hand on the campaign against whistle-blowing site WikiLeaks.

Senator Ludlam has formally asked the Government what assurances it has secured that, if extradited, WikiLeaks’ Australian chief Julian Assange will face the charges of which he is accused in Sweden and will not be subject to the temporary surrender mechanism that could see him extradited to the United States.

“What does our Government knows about any attempts by the US Government to extradite Mr Assange – an Australian citizen, or about any moves to charge him under the US Espionage Act?

“Does the Government define Mr Assange’s work in his capacity as Editor in Chief of Wikileaks as ‘having implications for Australia’s foreign relations’, thereby triggering the application of the Intelligence Services Act 2001?

“The Australian Federal Police found that Mr Assange had not committed any crime under Australian law in his capacity as editor in chief of WikiLeaks – will they guarantee that if Mr Assange returns to Australia he will not be extradited to the United States? These are critical questions.”

Senator Ludlam said any attempt to drag Julian Assange to the United States to face legal proceedings under a draconian, First World War-era Act would be part of a broader campaign to destroy WikiLeaks.

“The US Government has been embarrassed by a number of revelations made public by WikiLeaks – including evidence of American soldiers in Iraq deliberately targeting civilians and journalists – and is hell bent on revenge. Washington has successfully pressured companies including Visa, Mastercard, PayPal and Western Union to block donations to WikiLeaks to strangle the site – despite the donations funding perfectly legal activity.

“WikiLeaks is pursuing litigation via regulatory bodies around the world – including in Australia – to end the blockade. The Australian Government must rule out any attempt to thwart this legal action.”

http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/work/notice/snpf_059.pdf – (Questions re: Julian Assange begin on page 77)

Media Contact: Giovanni Torre – 0417 174 302

from @GetUp “Did you see last night’s 4 Corners?” #australia #refugees

Did you see Four Corners last night? The shocking footage they showed of refugees languishing in detention centres was a disgrace: http://www.getup.org.au/detention-disgrace

Dear tony,

We’ve all known for a long time now that our immigration detention centres would be better labelled "mental illness factories," but last night’s episode of Four Corners brought the faces and names of this tragedy into living rooms around Australia for the first time in almost a decade. That’s because government officials usually block media access to the harsh conditions inside detention centres.

But here’s something you may not know: in the last three years, self harm incidents have jumped by 2600% to over 1,132.1Can you sign this urgent petition to end the process of leaving refugees languishing in immigration detention centres?

http://www.getup.org.au/detention-disgrace

Last night’s Four Corners episode highlighted the absurdity and cruelty of a system that locks people away for legally seeking asylum. Many are refugees who have stood up to the Taliban in Afghanistan only to find themselves punished in Australia for having committed no crime; locked away for more than a year inside dark and hopeless places where self-harm, suicide attempts, heavy psychiatric medication and wanton despair have become the new normal.

What’s worse – when a decision on their application is finally made, our officials often get it wrong. Almost 75% of visa protection refusals are ultimately overturned upon review.2 The simple reality is that the vast majority of people seeking asylum in Australia are genuine refugees but while they are treated like criminals, their mental and physical health suffers.

The cost to our community, the harm done to real people who need our help, and the betrayal of our nation’s deepest values can no longer be ignored. Almost no other western country practices mandatory detention for asylum seekers – and after a decade of failed policy from Governments on both sides of the aisle, the dam is finally starting to break on this deeply inhumane and misguided policy.

Help end this now: http://www.getup.org.au/detention-disgrace

One of the worst aspects of detention is the reviled ‘Management Unit’. One story that makes us shudder: guards entered the room of an asylum seeker and ordered him to strip. He refused, because, apart from it being deeply humiliating for a Muslim man to be naked in front of others, his 7-year old daughter was in the room. The guards then beat him up, handcuffed him and took him to the “Management Unit,” a series of solitary confinement cells.

Julian Burnside QC, having seen a video of a Management Unit cell, describes it like this: "there’s a cell about 3.5 metres square, with a mattress on the floor. There is no other furniture; the walls are bare. A doorway, with no door, leads into a tiny bathroom. The cell has no view outside but it is never dark. The occupant has nothing to read, no writing materials, no TV or radio; no company yet no privacy because a video camera observes and records everything, 24 hours a day. The detainee is kept in the cell 23.5 hours a day. For half an hour a day he is allowed into a small exercise area where he can see the sky."

With some detainees spending close to 2 years in detention and many suffering post traumatic stress, it’s no wonder that on our watch detainees are attempting suicide by hanging themselves from trees.

As one interviewee said last night, having attempted and failed to commit suicide: "unfortunately even death didn’t want me."

Sign our urgent petition here: http://www.getup.org.au/detention-disgrace

No one coming to Australia should be made to feel this way – much less those brave enough to flee our world’s most violent and oppressive regimes. And the thing is, we think that in their heart of hearts, our Government agrees. As the former Minister for Immigration Senator Evans said in 2008: "Labor rejects the notion that dehumanising and punishing unauthorised arrivals with long-term detention is an effective or civilised response. Desperate people are not deterred by the threat of harsh detention – they are often fleeing much worse circumstances."3

There is now growing momentum from within the government to live up to these words but as we know, our politicians will only ever soar as high as we demand. Can you help tip the balance toward a more humane approach?

Thanks for taking a stand – let’s end this,
the GetUp Team

P.S. Later today mental health professionals will begin their campaign against prolonged mandatory detention. The momentum for change has begun – sign up here: http://www.getup.org.au/detention-disgrace

“The Joys of the Women” documentary : Fwd: Joys media release

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Reclaim the Night Fri Oct 28 2011 media release

Media Release 24/10/2011 Anti-rape protesters Reclaim the Night over CHOGM this Friday, Oct 28 Reclaim the Night is an annual global women’s march against sexual violence against women which takes place on the last Friday of October. This year’s Reclaim the Night event coincides with the first day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Despite the clash, Reclaim the Night will go ahead. Participants will call not only for a major reprioritisation in government spending, but will also criticise the supposedly beneficial credentials of the Commonwealth and its official meetings. Women will gather at 5pm on October 28 for bands and speakers at the Northbridge Cultural Centre precinct. The protest will lead off in a march south along William St, through the malls to Forrest Place. Supportive men are encouraged to line the march route at 6pm. The key demands for this year’s event: · End rape and sexual harassment of women · No to CHOGM: cease funding war and exploitation · Major increase to funding of women’s refuges and rape crisis services Contact Kat Pinder on 0403927790 for more information. “An obscene amount of money is being spent on CHOGM, but programs proven to be effective at reducing violence against women continue to be cut”, explained one of the protest organisers, Virginia Brown. “The decisions made at these kinds of meetings never have any more than token benefits for women. No matter how much CHOGM is advertised as promoting women in leadership, the reality is a few women in leadership positions don’t change the reality of women’s lives – and women like Prime Minister Gillard are not prepared to support the significant change in our political system that is necessary to eradicate misogynist violence and other measures of women’s oppression. “In Australia, 93% of perpetrators of sexual assault aremale (National Crime and Safety Survey, 2002). More than four out of five victims of sexual assault are women and girls. “Women still comprise 62% of clients accessing government-funded homelessness services, with domestic violence being a particularly strong reason for this. “Federal funding cuts in this year’s budgetto anti-misogynist violence services have meant the reduction in operating hours and services of the Women’s Legal Service (Qld) as of this month, and the slashing by 12.1 million over 5 years of funding for anti-domestic violence services in regional, remote and rural communities. “The foreign policies of leading Commonwealth countries like Australia and the UK are no better in terms of trampling over women’s rights. The ‘family code’ of the current Afghanistan regime, propped up by the occupying countries including Australia, sanctions spousal rape and child marriage. “Refusing to allow this CHOGM circus to gloss over these stark realities is a key aim for Reclaim the Night this year,” concluded Virginia Brown. Media Release 24/10/2011 Contact Kat Pinder on 0403927790 for more information.

Reclaim the Night Fri Oct 28 2011 media release.doc

Govt plans “DDoS” approach to sites like #wikileaks ~ Website Censorship in America (via HootSuite iPhone)

Censorship in America
http://censorshipinamerica.com/2011/10/21/the-connection-between-wikileaks-censorship-and-protect-ip-censorship-through-cutting-off-service-providers/

Sent from HootSuite iPhone
http://hootsuite.com/iphone

Via iPhone

Police don’t always act lawfully so you mate be arrested while acting lawfully #OWS

Via iPhone

#westpapua ABC News: At least six dead in Papua violence

At least six dead in Papua violence
Papuans say they are still searching for bodies after a violent crackdown at a meeting seeking independence from Indonesia which saw at least six people shot dead.

There are fears the death toll could rise after Indonesian police broke up the Third Papuan People’s Congress shortly before dark on W…

To read the full story on your mobile please use this link
http://m.abc.net.au/browse?page=11144&articleid=3592182&cat=Justin

To read the full story on a PC or Mac please use this link
http://www.abc.net.au/news/3592182

#occupymelbourne ABC News: CBD protesters clash with police

CBD protesters clash with police
There have been violent clashes between activists and police who are trying to clear Occupy Melbourne protesters from the city’s CBD.

Riot and mounted police dragged more than 100 protesters from City Square in chaotic scenes in front of thousands of onlookers.

The scuffles have also spilled onto S…

To read the full story on your mobile please use this link
http://m.abc.net.au/browse?page=11144&articleid=3591210&cat=Justin

To read the full story on a PC or Mac please use this link
http://www.abc.net.au/news/3591210

Alison Xamon ” Anniversary of forced adoption apology highlights need for services”

Anniversary of forced adoption apology highlights need for services

20 October 2011

Hon Alison Xamon MLC, Greens Spokesperson for Women and Children, today marked the one year anniversary of the WA Parliament apology to women who were forced to give up their babies for adoption, by again calling for more funding and support for victims.

Ms Xamon said that while the apology provided important recognition of the trauma suffered by those vulnerable women, one year on the people affected still needed support, compassion and understanding.

“My continuing discussions with women affected by forced adoption have shown me firsthand the profound impact that these practices have had, and continue to have, on their lives.”

“The Western Australian parliament led the nation as the first State to formally say sorry to these women. I call on the Government to continue its leadership in this area by boosting support services for those seeking information or reunification, as well as those individuals experiencing ongoing trauma as a result of these appalling practices”, said Ms Xamon.

“The government has a moral obligation to provide important specialist services. While some people may access DCP (Department of Child Protection) services, for other people independent services are more appropriate than seeking help from the very Government institutions that traumatised them in the first place. This means it is essential that the Government adequately funds services like those provided by the not for profit groups Jigsaw and ARCS,” said Ms Xamon.

Ms Xamon said she also looked forward to the report of the Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee inquiry into the Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices, which is due to be released on 21 November 2011.

“The inquiry report should provide more recognition of the impact of these practices across the country”.

“Already the inquiry has received 334 submissions, which is a clear indication of how significant and widespread the impacts of these practices have been,” said Ms Xamon.

The closing date for submissions is 31 October.

For further comment contact Alison

Hon Alison Xamon MLC

Member for the East Metropolitan Region

Office: 62 Eighth Ave Maylands WA 6051

Postal Address: PO Box 104 Maylands WA 6931

Phone: (08) 9272 1718

Fax: (08) 9272 1719

Portfolios: Water, Urban Bushland, Mental Health, Education, Training, Industrial Relations, Employment, Occupational Health & Safety, Disabilities, Women, Children & Youth, Public Service, Community Services,Electoral Affairs, Consumer Protection, Vet Affairs, Volunteering

Fwd from Change.org: Bank of America called

Sign Molly’s petition telling Bank of America to cancel its $5 debit card fee Dear tony, When Molly Katchpole found out that Bank of America would charge $5 a month to use a debit card, she was upset — so she started a petition on Change.org. Since then, 225,000 Change.org members have signed her petition. And now Bank of America is under enormous pressure to cancel its new debit card fee. A Bank of America executive even called Molly and told her that while cancelling the fee would be "premature," the bank was "closely monitoring customer feedback." More public pressure could be enough to push the bank to cancel its new $5 debit card fee. Can you sign Molly’s petition asking Bank of America to cancel its new debit card fee? Bank of America is listening to you — and other banks are, too. In less than three weeks, Bank of America went from announcing a new $5 monthly debit card fee, to reeling under huge pressure from the media, Congress, and Change.org members. Here’s a quick review of what happened: September 29: Bank of America announces a new $5 monthly debit card fee. September 30: Molly creates her petition on Change.org; more than 150,000 people sign in the next 5 days. October 5: The petition becomes a major national story. ABC News interviews Molly, then tracks down Bank of America’s CEO Brian Moynihan and forces him to respond to it. October 6: Molly delivers 153,000 petitions to Bank of America and closes her account. She appears on ABC World News again to discuss the petition. Local media in Charlotte (where Bank of America is based) openly speculate that the growing controversy could lead to the firing of Moynihan. October 9: Molly is featured in a major article in the New York Times as an example of the public’s frustration with big banks. October 10: Bank of America executive Andrew Pepler calls Molly Katchpole to discuss her petition. October 13: Molly meets with Congressman Brad Miller to discuss a bill in Congress to make it easier to switch banks. The two later appear on CNN together. October 18: Molly’s petition reaches 225,000, as Bank of America reports a $6 billion profit. The outrage continues to grow. Other banks are paying attention to the public reaction to Bank of America’s new debit card fee. Citibank even said its "customers made it abundantly clear" that they wouldn’t like a debit card fee. What’s next in this campaign to cancel Bank of America’s $5 debit card fees? It’s up to you. Please sign the petition demanding Bank of America cancel its new $5 monthly debit card fee. Click here to add your name: http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-bank-of-america-no-5-debit-card-fees Thanks for being a change-maker, - Jess and the Change.org team

Black Dog Ride #mentalhealth October Update 2011

October 2011 Update Hi Tony It’s been some weeks now since the 2011 Ride to the Red Centre officially ended with a breakfast on Sunday August 28 at the remote Glen Helen Resort 132 kms West of Alice Springs. All of the nearly 300 riders who took part in this year’s Ride found their way home safely but unforrtunately our Sydney leader Phil crashed whilst avoiding a car which failed to give way at an intersection in Katherine N.T. Phil and his beloved Harley were battered and bruised but able to limp to Mt Isa where repairs were undertaken to enable him to eventually continue his journey safely back home. The 2011 Ride was an outstanding success in achieving its main goals of : Raising awareness of depression. Helping to break down stigma. Fundraising for the Black Dog Institute. Having a lot of fun The Ride received unprecedented exposure from the traditional TV, Radio and Print media plus massive Social Media coverage.Wherever the riders went with their Winston (black dog) mascots they attracted interest, especially at the 41 community events, 35 of which were organised by Lions Clubs from all over the country. We got people talking about depression, this can be the first step to getting help for those who sufferer the illness. We raised $159,665 which will go to helping the Black Dog Institute roll out their Community Education Programs across Australia. During the Ride a great camaraderie developed amomgst the riders and a lot of fun was had along the way. There are many people to thank for helping to make the event such a success, I take this opportunity to mention them: The State Ride Coordinators, Dave, Paul, Phil, Tony and Boyd. The nearly 300 riders from all over Australia on nearly every bike imaginable. The huge list of Sponsors and Supporters. The wonderful Lions Clubs throughout Australia who supported us. The fantastic team at the Black Dog Institute. Thank you all and everyone else who donated or contributed in some way to help make the 2011 Ride to the Red Centre a truly memorable and successful event. Cheque Presentation You are invited to attend a cheque presentation to the Black Dog Institute of a giant cheque representing our awesome fundraising effort from this year’s Ride.The event will take place at the Institute, Hospital Road Randwick, NSW at 1.30pm on Thursday 3 November. Refreshments will be served so to assist with catering please RSVP to Fleur f.mortimer or phone (02) 9382-9257. Hope to see you there. Brown Cows and Black Dogs What an amazing week I had at the recent Perth Royal Show. This article from Meat Trade News tells the story quite well. I think it’s fair to say that I learned a lot about cattle farmers and the challenges they are facing and they learned about mental health and what the Black Dog Institute is doing to help. We raised $8,000 during the week and may have created some exciting opportunities to help rural mental health. My sincere thanks to Peter & Judy Milton and everyone else involved in this wonderful experience. Roger’s Ride Review Harley riding photographer Roger Clarke from Capel WA has been on both Red Centre Rides and has kindly put together a highlights video of this year’s Ride for your enjoyment. Enjoy Cheers….Steve Help spread the word Black Dog Ride P.O. Box 524 Claremont 6910 steve | Twitter

videos from #occupyperth day #1 includes, human mic, homage to #arabspring, and the obligatory #anonymous mask ;o)

Please click this link for the YouTube playlist for #occupyperth

 

videos from #occupyperth day #1

includes, human mic, homage to #arabspring, and the obligatory #anonymous mask ;o)

look for the short vid with a young aboriginal boy, his voice was a highlight for me.

I didn’t show his face cos he’s only about 12 or 13, and heck, maybe he wants to become a dentists ;o)

 

cheers

@perthtones

Fwd from my friends blog- Browser-based Advanced Encryption for Email etc

WordPress.com

#occupyperth vid 1

Via iPhone

A Real Opportunity on Refugees

Dear tony,

Last night the Government announced at long last that it will begin processing asylum seekers who arrive by boat on Australian soil. Sadly, it did so because it was backed into a corner and could not get the support in Parliament it needed to amend the Migration Act.

Despite this, a number of the changes announced are welcome including faster processing of asylum seekers and community placement during processing for those arriving by boat – the same successful measures in place for years for those who arrive by plane. What’s missing is an increase in the humanitarian intake.

Currently Australia accepts 13,750 refugees each year, but by roughly doubling the intake to 25,000 annually we could reduce the number of boats, while providing greater protection to those in need.

Click here to help make it happen: http://www.getup.org.au/sensible-solution

Current Government policy has actually created a pull factor because once an asylum seeker arrives in Malaysia or Indonesia from countries like Afghanistan and Iraq they discover there is no “queue.” According to UNHCR, there are currently more than 90,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia. Yet between July 2009 and February 2011 only 518 visas were granted to people waiting in Malaysia and all of them went to Burmese nationals, leaving many people with no choice but to risk their lives on a boat to Australia.

If Australia is to slow the number of boats arriving on our shores we need to increase our refugee intake, target that intake within the region and step up diplomatic engagement with our neighbours to do all that we can to stop people risking their lives on the dangerous boat journey to Australia.

As the Government moves to onshore processing, let’s make sure they know they have our support, but that we must also increase our humanitarian intake.

Click here to email your Labor MP: http://www.getup.org.au/sensible-solution

Incredibly, despite the encouraging steps announced yesterday, the Prime Minister says that her party remains committed to the Malaysian solution when it’s been shown to be sorely lacking in human rights and legally suspect.

The Gillard Government must now develop a multilateral, regional cooperation framework that ensures adequate protection and timely assessment of refugee claims. Only by accepting greater numbers of refugees will we undermine the people smugglers who seek to profit from persecuted people.

Send your Labor MP a message: onshore processing and community detention are welcome, but it’s time we increased the humanitarian intake.

http://www.getup.org.au/sensible-solution

Political leaders often face testing moments that either expose inconsistencies between public promises and political policies, or enable them to exhibit true leadership and rise above partisan politics to create a lasting legacy that they, and those they represent, can be proud of.

It’s time that our politicians do what we elected them to – show leadership and provide, not Pacific Solutions, not Malaysian Solutions, but sensible solutions.

With hope,
The GetUp Team

Despite Decades of Decentralization Discussion, Most Development Dynamics Remain Disconnected

Despite Decades of Decentralization Discussion, Most Development Dynamics Remain Disconnected

Despite Decades of Decentralization Discussion, Most Development Dynamics Remain Disconnected, Concludes Global Conference in Seville

First World Forum of Local Development Agencies concludes with call for greater focus on the local economy within a globalized world

GENEVA – 13 October 2011: The recently concluded World Forum of Local Development Agencies brought more than 1,200 participants from 47 countries to debate, discuss and deliberate on local solutions to local challenges within a global context. The outcomes will be fed into preparations for the 4th High Level Forum on aid Effectiveness in December and for the Rio+20 conference on sustainable development in June 2012.

Jointly organized by the Junta of Andalusia Employment Service, the Andalusian Fund of Municipalities for International Solidarity (FAMSI) and the UN Development Programme, the Forum, which took place from 5-7 October, focused on the importance of local economic development (LED), local governance and on the strategic role and potential of a local approach to development.

“The attendants’ prestige, the high level of participation, and the quality of contributions brought about outstanding discussions throughout the three-day event,” said Giovanni Camilleri, coordinator of UNDP’s ART programme, which seeks to introduce greater coordination between development actors at the local level.

Camilleri said the Forum is a stepping stone in sharing local economic dynamics and partnerships, and is the culmination of a collaboration between decentralized cooperation networks and the multilateral framework. “We are not proposing the creation of anything new,” he said. “but what we need is a new and innovative approach to leveraging and capitalizing on existing networks, knowledge and resources to make them more efficient and effective in responding to the needs of local communities. This is the force behind the movement to improve aid efficiency and the raison d’etre behind UNDP’s ART Programme.”

“The paradox is that we live in a globalized world, but we need local solutions,” said Manuel Recio, Regional Minister for Employment of the Andalusian Regional Government. Although globalization has led to new opportunities for many countries, for others it is responsible for low growth, low productivity and high unemployment. “What we need is a new economy based on the local dynamic.”

Cécile Molinier, Director of the UNDP Geneva Office, said in times of crisis cooperation is a priority and the added value represented by the collaboration between the multilateral framework, national and local governments and decentralized cooperation networks puts the local into a global context. “Local governance and local development are key areas of UNDP’s work,” she said. “UNDP supports local governance and local development as critical mechanisms for empowering sub‐national levels of society, to ensure that local people participate in, and benefit from their own governance institutions and development services.”

One of the main areas of support, she said, was through the creation of Local Development Agencies (LEDAs) that stimulate dialogue and consensus amid actors who, among other things, promote human development, social and inclusive economy green economy and the socioeconomic empowerment of women. Examples of the added value of this approach are numerous. In Lebanon, for example, the LEDAs are paving the road for a new public sector role in the delivery of important services and have now offered vocational training and entrepreneurial activities leading to the engagement of 40,000 youths in economic activities. “Over 150,000 people have benefited from enhanced access to public health care services, approximately 2,000 farmers and 1,200 beekeepers have received technical assistance and more than 500 small and medium enterprises will be accessing USD 10.5 Million of credit through 2011 and 2012,” she said.

Other examples include Uruguay, where LEDAs around the country have benefitted more than 1 million people, including small and isolated producers, weavers, artisanal fishermen and craftsmen in the country’s most remote areas. “And in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua the a programme for women and local and economic development is creating conditions to provide more opportunities for women’s role as entrepreneurs,” said Molinier in her opening statement. “Through Service Centers for Women’s Enterprises, capacity training has been offered to over 11,000 women and over US$2 million have been raised in the programme’s Rotating Credit Fund.”

LINK TO THE CONFERENCE WEBSITE: http://foromundialadel.org/

LINK TO OUTCOME DOCUMENT: http://foromundialadel.org/index.php?p=descarga_documentos&c=28

Photo Credit: Mr. Emile Lucner, Mayor of Belladere, Haiti, shares his experiences with local development with his colleagues from around the world at the First World Forum of Local Development Agencies in Seville, Spain on 5 October 2011.

Photo2: Douglas Gardner, UNDP Deputy Director of the Bureau for Development Policy, greets the local government delegates from around the world at the First World Forum of Local Development Agencies in Seville, Spain on 5 October 2011.

For more information:

Adam Rogers (Communication Advisor): Tel: +41 22 917 8541; Mobile: +41 79 849 0679; adam.rogers

Ana Rioja, Communication Officer – FAMSI Tel + 34 95 429 32 29 email: arioja

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 177 countries and territories, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners. Please visit: www.undp.org. Follow us on twitter and facebook.

If you would rather not receive future communications from United Nations Development Programme, let us know by clicking here.
United Nations Development Programme, 11-13 Chemin des Anémones, Châtelaine,, Châtelaine,, Geneva, CH-1219 Switzerland

2011_10_ART-Seville.docx

Parlt. Video – Australian Greens expose Uranium mine dangers. Senator Scott Ludlum.

© 2011 YouTube, LLC 901 Cherry Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066

Labor must abandon Minister’s nuclear crusade – WA Senator. #Australia to sell #uranium to #India

Labor must abandon Minister’s nuclear crusade – WA Senator

Media Release: Senator Scott Ludlam, Thursday October 13th, 2011

The Federal Government must rule out any plan to sell uranium to India as that country refuses to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Australian Greens said today.

The Greens spokesperson on nuclear issues, Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam, said the revelation Australian officials were in talks with a view to selling uranium to the nuclear weapons state was alarming.

“Labor’s own policy bans the sale of nuclear fuel to countries that have refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, yet there is a danger the Government will yield to one man’s nuclear obsession and drop that principled stand.”

A confidential briefing note to Resources Minister Martin Ferguson in February stated that the dialogue ‘may prove a useful avenue to communicate any policy shifts’ and ‘could be elevated in the future as conditions allow agreement on exporting uranium to India’.

“At the ALP conference in December Minister Ferguson will likely attempt to kill Labor’s opposition to uranium sales to non-signatory countries. In June we saw Minister Ferguson claim he was in charge of ‘nuclear policy’ – crowning himself Labor’s nuclear emperor – and Labor must decisively reject his plan to declare open season on selling uranium to anyone who will buy it.”

“In January Minister Ferguson publicly rebuffed a request from Indian authorities to commence sales of uranium but the following month the Minister was forced to reveal his real position when documents leaked by WikiLeaks showed he was in favour of selling uranium to India.”

“The Government has been prepared to cut uranium deals with Russia, an authoritarian state which is assisting Iran’s nuclear program, and the United Arab Emirates, a dictatorship with a disturbing human rights record; Will they expand their rogue’s gallery of customers to include a country with a nuclear arsenal which has refused to sign the NPT?”

Senator Ludlam will move a motion in the Senate today expressing support for the current ban on uranium sales to non-signatory countries and calling on the Government to make public the list of countries to whom it will not sell uranium.

Media Contact: Giovanni Torre – 0417 174 302