“I offer the electorate experienced and stable leadership, and the progressive policies and clear vision for Australia’s future which the big parties are ignoring,” Australian Greens Leader Senator Brown said in Canberra today.

“Moving forward will mean a carbon tax on polluters; bringing home safely Australia’s troops from Afghanistan; a universal dental care scheme; humane treatment of asylum seekers in Australia; protecting our forests and wildlife.”

“This election is also about the Senate and a strong cross-bench delivering better outcomes for Australians. The Greens are the responsible alternative to a deadlocked Abbott controlled Senate.”

“The Greens will campaign strongly on environmental issues including climate change action, the creation of marine national parks, protecting native forests and wildlife and saving the Darling Downs farmlands from 40,000 coal seam gas drill holes and open cut coal mines,” Senator Brown said.

The national poll of 1009 voters taken last weekend found 55% approved of the role the Greens played and only 28% disapproved.

Ahead of an address to the National Press Club in Canberra today, Australian Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown said the Greens had shown the judgment and ability to negotiate and compromise in the interests of the Australian community.

“Without the Greens there would be oppositional deadlock in Parliament.

“Unlike the Coalition, the Greens negotiated with the Government to pass the economic stimulus package last year which saved Australia from recession.

“Raising the pension, fortnightly childcare rebates and fixing the renewable energy target are all results delivered by the Greens.

“We will continue to represent Australians on issues we know are important to them – For example, a carbon prices, getting our troops safely out of Afghanistan, decent treatment for asylum seekers and an end to native forest logging.”

“I am proud to be part of this week-long national action – The Great Australian Internet Blackout,” said Australian Greens spokesperson for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Scott Ludlam.

“The government’s plan will not protect children, will do nothing to crack down on criminal activity online, and sets a dangerous precedent of centralised net censorship,” Senator Ludlam said. “Communications Minister Stephen Conroy should start paying attention to the almost universal condemnation of this scheme and pursue alternatives rather than pushing ahead with the mandatory filter.”

To take part visit the campaign’s website

From left: Australian Greens leader Senator Bob Brown, Senate candidates Jenny Stirling, Larissa Waters (lead), Libby Connors and Candidate for the Division of Brisbane, Andrew Bartlett.

“We will campaign strongly to win a Greens’ Senate seat in Queensland. Larissa will make a fine addition to our team in the Senate. When the Nationals and the Liberals tried to block the economic stimulus in the Senate, the Greens succeeded in negotiating better outcomes, saving tens of thousands of jobs in Queensland. Because of the Greens, millions of dollars are now being invested in Queensland heritage, bikeways and other local job creation projects.”

“I’m delighted that former Democrats leader Andrew Bartlett will be the Greens candidate for the very green seat of Brisbane. Andrew’s experience and huge knowledge of Queensland will give voters in Brisbane a real alternative to the old parties,” Senator Brown said.

Mr Bartlett said: “The Greens are a genuine threat in a number of House of Representative seats at next year’s election. We need to take the fight up to the major parties in as many seats as possible to force better policies and genuine debate on vital issues like climate change, underemployment, housing affordability, human rights, accountability and sensible economic management.”

Ms Waters said: “As a Greens Senator for Queensland, I would bring a long term view which is beholden to the planet, not the big end of town. I’ll stand up for the Reef, our rivers, our forests and coastal areas, and to represent Queenslanders who want real action on climate change and a just and sustainable future.”

Larissa Waters leads an all-female Senate ticket with candidates Libby Connors from regional Queensland and Jenny Stirling from North Queensland.