Greens increase vote in Banks and Blaxland in face of crushing Howard defeat
From Bankstown Greens
Media Release - Friday 30 November 2007
Bankstown Greens Convenor and Spokesperson, Susan Roberts, who was also the Greens Candidate for Banks, has welcomed the Federal election result saying that she has no doubt it will be a relief for all fair-minded Australians to see the end of the disastrous Howard government.
"On behalf of the Bankstown Greens and my colleague, John Ky, who ran in the seat of Blaxland, I wish to thank all the loyal Greens supporters who contributed their time and donated generously to our campaigns," Susan said.
"This has been their victory and should now mean that issues like climate change, public education and industrial relations receive the proper attention they deserve by the incoming Rudd Labor government.
"With a swing to the Greens of 0.73 per cent in Banks and 0.96 per cent in Blaxland, we can be justly proud of our result and can lay claim to being the third political force in Australia," she added.
Bob Brown has been returned to the Senate and is likely to be joined by two new Senators, Scott Ludlum from Western Australia and Sarah Hanson-Young from South Australia. Unfortunately, in NSW, Greens Senator Kerry Nettle has not been re-elected, despite an increased vote to 8.4%. Kerry will continue in her role until the end of June 2008. This will bring the Greens numbers to five in the Senate.
"The Bankstown Greens would like to thank Kerry for the fantastic work she has done since being elected in 2001. She has been a true champion for human rights and a defender of the environment. I am sure she will have a bright future," Susan said.
"I would also like to congratulate the Member for Banks, Darryl Melham, and the new Member for Blaxland, Jason Clare, for their well deserved victories.
"The Bankstown Greens look forward to working with them over the next three years toward better environmental outcomes and creating a more socially just and democratic nation," she said.
For more information, contact Simon Brooks: ph 0412 115 643
