The Australian Greens have rejected a renewed push by the Baillieu government to expand brown coal mining in Victoria. The Greens will also look at what action can be taken by the Federal government to slow down the push.

"Minister Comber should not be encouraging these moves by the Baillieu government. The Clean Energy Future package is about transitioning away from our dependence on coal, in particular brown coal. The Gillard government should not undermine that by backing this move. It is economically and environmentally irresponsible," Deputy Greens Leader Senator Milne said.

Adam Bandt talks to ABC's Fran Kelly about tax cuts for small business

Greens MP Adam Bandt says he will test support for the establishment of a new sovereign wealth fund when Parliament resumes next year.

Mr Bandt says there is growing support inside the old parties for a new sovereign wealth fund. He wants use the opportunity provided by the current Parliament to take the first steps next year towards establishing a new fund.

"Establishing a sovereign wealth fund is the next big step in economic reform," Mr Bandt said.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown and the Member for Melbourne Adam Bandt talk to reporters in Canberra about the mining tax, after the Prime Minister's MRRT announcement.

Senator Brown said superannuation taxation arrangements can be made much more socially equitable and the Gillard Government's open cheque book approach to refunding mining companies for royalties paid to states should be reviewed by the Senate.

Adam Bandt also commented on his move in the House of Representatives to amend the McCarthyite Building & Construction Commission bill.

Late night media conference to announce Greens support for the mining tax

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown and Member for Melbourne Adam Bandt outlined the Greens' position on the MRRT, namely to protect the revenue stream from moves in Parliament to further water down the mining tax.

The Greens will also move for a debate on setting a date for a safe exit of Australian troops from Afghanistan.

Wednesday, 2 November 2011

Australia is closer than ever to a clean energy future, with the bills to put a price on carbon and invest in clean, renewable energy being debated in the Senate. These bills, which wouldn't have happened without the Greens, are a vital first step to tackle the climate crisis and transform our economy.

These are the speeches made by the Australian Greens' MPs during the debate of this historic legislation.