Tony Abbott has failed to learn about the underlying issues facing the Northern Territory as he continues to pursue ineffective, hard-line measures on issues such as alcohol abuse and education, according to the Australian Greens.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues said that Mr Abbott’s comments highlight the fact that he has missed the point of his visit to the NT. 

The Australian Greens say the rollout of Opal fuel must continue in WA and northern parts of Northern Territory and Queensland to reduce the significant harm caused by petrol sniffing.

“Opal fuel has been a success story in dramatically reducing the incidence of petrol sniffing in the areas where it has been fully rolled out and properly supported by well-resourced youth and diversionary programs,” Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson for Aboriginal Issues said today.

The Australian Greens say an alcohol price war between supermarkets is dangerous and irresponsible as major retailers continue to cut prices in the lead-up to the Easter and Anzac Day holiday.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens Health spokesperson said today that such campaigns undermine important health initiatives.

“Large discounts which encourage increased alcohol sale and consumption are damaging to preventative health efforts to reduce binge drinking and alcohol related harm,” Senator Siewert said today.

The Australian Greens have called for effective justice reinvestment to become a key initiative in reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia’s prisons.

In acknowledging the passing of 20 years since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues has today called for a concerted effort to lower the disproportionately high number of Aboriginal people, particularly youth, in custody.

The Australian Greens say a new system of food labelling announced today by Sanitarium should be introduced for all food and beverage products to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens health spokesperson said today that providing consumers with more accessible information was an important step in supporting healthy choices to address Australia's growing obesity crisis.

The Australian Greens have reiterated calls for the NT and Federal Governments to act on a floor price on alcohol to reduce community harm.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal Issues says amendments to the NT’s Liquor Act should allow for a floor price on take away sales to be enforceable as part of reforms to alcohol laws.

“It is essential that our governments take a stand against the alcohol industry and act in the best interest of people in Alice Springs and across the NT,” Senator Siewert said today.

TOBACCO Senator SIEWERT (Western Australia) (1.56 pm)—I move: That the Senate—

The Australian Greens have expressed disappointment with the Government and Coalition’s reluctance to support a motion calling for a review of the Future Fund’s investment criteria.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens Health spokesperson put the motion after it was revealed that the Future Fund holds over $100 million worth of investments in overseas tobacco companies.

“I was amazed by revelations regarding the Future Fund’s investment in Big Tobacco,” said Senator Siewert. “There's no doubt that such an investment is ethically and financially flawed.”

Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert says the growing number of Australians paying recognition National Close the Gap Day sends an inspiring message that improving life expectancy and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are national priorities.

Senator SIEWERT (Western Australia) (3.42 pm)—I, and on behalf of Senator Fifield, move: That the Senate—
(a)    acknowledges the success of the Deafness Technology Demonstration Forum in Parliament House on 19 August 2009, and notes the interest expressed by parliamentarians in technologies to enable deaf students to better participate in mainstream education;