Greens push for balance of power

GREENS candidate for Wannon Hilary McAlister says her party holding the balance of power is the only way for voters to get action on climate and the rising cost of living.

The federal election was called last month, and the Greens have since rolled out their policy platform.

The party’s major campaign issues from now until the May 21 poll are:

• No new coal and gas projects, including in the Otway Basin
• Dental and mental health into Medicare
• Wiping student debt and making TAFE and university free
• Building affordable homes that people can buy for $300,000, and
• A tax on billionaires and big corporations making super-profits.

Ms McAlister said the effects of climate change were already being felt in her electorate – which stretches from Anglesea to the South Australian border and as far north as Ararat and Casterton – and there had also been devastating floods in northern NSW as well as the Black Saturday bushfires.

“This is climate change. It’s here right now, yet Labor and Liberal still support 114 new coal and gas projects, including in the Otway Basin. There can be no new coal or gas if we want to reach net zero by 2035.

“The time for change is now – we can build a positive, people-powered movement to create lasting change for the wellbeing for our community and environment.

“Only the Greens want an end to new coal and gas projects, and to turn Australia into a renewable energy exporter and the hundreds of thousands of sustainable jobs that go with it, including in our community.

“The Greens will wipe student debt, make TAFE and university free again, make childcare free, and get dental and mental health under Medicare.”

She said the Greens’ plan was fully costed and would be paid for by making billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share of tax.

“With both Liberal and Labor backing more coal and gas, the only way to get real climate action is by voting 1 Greens and putting us in the balance of power to push the next government to freeze new coal and gas projects,” Greens leader Adam Bandt said.

“Last time the Greens were in balance of power, we got dental into Medicare for kids.

“Now it’s time to get it for adults, as well as real climate action and ensuring everyone has what they need to live a good life, such as affordable housing, free education and free childcare.”