Lee's blogs
Lee Rhiannon writes regular blogs and opinion pieces on a diverse range of issues she comes across during visits in NSW campaigning for the Greens.
Government shake up should extend to overseas aid delivery
As the dust settles on a revamped federal government thanks to the courageous crossbenchers, an obvious question is will Prime Minister Julia Gillard pick up on this new way of governing and extend the shake up to some of her ministries.
Independents rise - Nationals bush whacked
One of the spin-offs of the rise of the independents over the past ten days has been the Nationals’ attention seeking behaviour to demonstrate that they are the true bush MPs who are working hard for regional Australia.
Responding To Attacks On My Family And Political Background
As support for the Greens increases, inevitably so do the attacks on the Greens and on individuals within the party. As one of the public faces of the Greens, I have been in the firing line.
Notes For Speech At AGQUIP Debate With Fiona Nash
Thanks to Ag Quip for hosting this debate.
We appreciate opportunity to put on the record Greens policies and campaigns that have advanced the interests of regional NSW, and the protection of farming land and associated water resources.
Abbot Behind The Sheds Dragging On A $5 Million Cigarette
After helping out the mining industry it looks like opposition leader Tony Abbott is ready to deliver for another backer of the Coalition, the tobacco industry. Today’s Daily Telegraph reports that Liberal Party strategists are gearing up for a $5 million attack on the plan for plain cigarette packaging.
The Greens and Labor support this plan.
The Greens: Watermelons, Avocados... Apples?
Last week the Sydney Morning Herald and the Australian wrote some not so positive pieces on the Greens, which included inaccuracies about the party and my personal and political history. It was great to receive some positive letters from individuals and community groups I have worked with over the last couple of decades, that were sent to daily newspapers (and many published) as a result.
Remembering Black July
Through my work with the Tamil community over recent months I am learning of the injustice and brutality they have been subjected to over the past century. These events are a scar on all humanity and it is disturbing how few people in Australia know of these events.
Campaign Trail Hots Up - Candidate Launches And Election Announcements
This weekend just past was our busiest to date for campaign events with candidate launches, policy announcements and a flurry of information stalls, door knocking, postering and leaflet distribution undertaken by our electorate teams.
Dubbo Transport Forum Verdict - Get Freight Back On Rails
When a train driver at a transport forum in Dubbo last night told me for the first time that he could remember the Dubbo rail freight yard was empty this week I knew we had picked the right centre in western NSW to launch the Greens sustainable transport plan.
The Afghan War - Sleeper Election Issue
The Afghan war is a sleeper election issue. Australians are troubled by this war. In recent weeks I have found many more people wanting to talk about why the troops should be brought home. Today's tragic news that another young Australian soldier has been killed in that war will get more people thinking.
