The Australian Greens have criticised the WA Government's approval of the Roe 8 development, saying Environment Minister Albert Jacob has failed to properly consider appeals against the damaging project.

"WA Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren was one of a number of people who appealed the approval of the Roe 8 development, and it is clear that in fast-tracking his response, Minister Jacob is ignoring due process," Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens Senator for WA said today.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens marine spokesperson said today that the Federal Government was ‘sitting on its hands’ over the salvage of the wrecked ship responsible for January’s Christmas Island oil spill.

In Question Time today, the Federal Government today could not answer questions on the salvage of the disintegrating MV Tycoon, which was irreparably damaged after breaking its moorings and striking cliffs near the loading facility on the Island.

Australian Greens Senators for WA Rachel Siewert and Scott Ludlam will today launch a comprehensive plan for servicing the Perth metropolitan area with light rail.

“Light rail – in other words, modern, electrified trams – is quiet, clean and efficient and carries between 10,000 and 28,000 people per hour,” Greens Senator for WA Rachel Siewert said.

“It reduces congestion and speeds up travel times and is the most practical way of linking up our suburban centres with the existing train system – the Greens are proud to be at the forefront of pushing this agenda in Perth.

Jandakot Airport (Question No. 2782)

Senator Siewert asked the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, upon notice, on 13 April 2010: With reference to Jandakot Airport, Western Australia:

Aviation: Jandakot Airport (Question No. 2753)

Senator Siewert asked the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, upon notice, on 12 March 2010: Given that the lessee of Jandakot Airport, Ascot Capital Limited, recently released for public comment its revised master plan for the development of Jandakot Airport which includes a proposal to extend two existing runways and construct a new fourth runway, as well as a significant non-aviation mixed busi ness commercial precinct:

The Australian Greens today outlined their vision for Australia in the new century ahead of the opening of the Balance-of-Power Senate.

Australian Greens Leader, Senator Bob Brown, said a record 1.17 million people voted Greens at the last election, and the five Greens Senators were ready to work constructively with all parties to respond to the challenges of the new century.

"Pollution, poverty, discrimination and the destruction of Australia's forests and precious environments are the legacy of the last century and decades of greed and inaction."