Greens Deputy Leader, Adam Bandt MP, has criticised the House of Representatives for wasting time with a politicised debate about Senator Conroy instead of focussing on a far more pressing issue, the death of refugee Reza Berati on Manus Island.

"Parliament has yet again missed the point," said Mr Bandt.

"A man has been killed while in our care. We should be debating why this happened and how we can stop it happening again, not wasting time in another Liberal/Labor tit-for-tat."

With results officially declared today, the seat of Melbourne is now the greenest place in the country. A huge swing of 7% to the Greens saw a record primary vote of 42.6% in the seat, with the party winning a lower house seat in its own right for the first time.

"People in Melbourne have made history again," said newly re-elected Greens MP Mr Bandt.

"I thank the people of Melbourne for their support and trust. The huge 7% swing to the Greens was even better than we had hoped for."

The Victorian State Government are handing over National Parks to the white shoe brigade and must be stopped, Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt MP said today.
 
The government is now able to grant 99 year leases for large-scale tourist developments in two-thirds of Victoria's national park areas.
 
“Premier Napthine is an environmental vandal” Mr Bandt said.
 
“He is handing over our precious places to the white shoe brigade.”
 

Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt and Federal Member for Melbourne say the Greens are on track to hold Melbourne despite a preference deal between Labor and the Liberals.

“We have always said we intended to hold the seat in our own right and with a small swing we can do it,” Mr Bandt said.

“Labor and Tony Abbott need to come clean on what deals have been done for the Liberals to preference Labor.”

“Kevin Rudd needs to outline what Labor will do for the Liberals in return.  For example, will Labor be preferencing the Liberals in Mallee as some reports have suggested.”

Supporters joined Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne, Deputy Leader Adam Bandt, Lead Senate Candidate Janet Rice and other candidates at Melbourne's Victorian Arts Centre to launch the Victorian Greens election campaign today.

Senator Milne outlined how the Greens were on track to secure a second Victorian Senate spot and retain Adam Bandt's seat of Melbourne.

The Greens also unveiled their first TV election advertisement ‘Standing up for What Matters'. It can be viewed here.

Greens Deputy Leader and Federal Member for Melbourne Adam Bandt MP has thanked Jeff Kennett for his intervention in the Melbourne election campaign.
 
Mr Bandt said that the former Liberal Premier’s call for a Labor – Liberal preference deal in Melbourne has highlighted how close the old parties have become in their desperation to prevent alternative voices in the Parliament.
 
“Thanks, Jeff.  If he’s now backing my opponent and calling for me to be ‘wiped out’, I must be doing something right.”
 

Greens Deputy Leader and Federal Member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt, says a Galaxy poll showing a surge in support for the Greens in Melbourne reflects concern over Labor's refugee policy and cuts to clean energy and universities.

Mr Bandt says the poll shows that even if the Liberals preference Labor he will be able to hold the seat.

On Monday (15 July) morning Adam joined Fran Kelly on ABC Radio National to discuss Labor’s plan to make it cheaper to pollute and asylum seekers.

Listen in by following the link below