Janet Rice

Rice rides and walks the talk

Greens Senate candidate and candidate for the state seat of Footscray, Janet Rice is pledging to travel sustainably in her election campaigning and is challenging other candidates to join her.

Janet, who is now full time on the Senate election trail,  plans to undertake the overwhelming majority of her election campaigning by bike, public transport and walking.

‘Obviously there will be some circumstances when I have to drive – people are often surprised to learn that I do own a car and drive! But they will be the exceptions – when it’s pouring with rain or I have to carry some large equipment", Janet said.

“This week for example I have ridden to Sunshine for a street stall, and to railway stations to hand out fliers with our candidate for Gellibrand Rod Solin. I’ve covered 35 km, and only 6km has been by car. “

"I am keeping a logbook of my travel and will report back to people as the election campaigns progress."

“I challenge other candidates to do the same. Walking, cycling, and catching public transport keep you fit and healthy, are good for the planet and cut the cost of living.”

"Transport is a huge issue in both the state and federal campaigns."

“The rail meltdown this week is stark evidence of the mismanagement of public transport by the Brumby government. It adds to other recent transport stuff ups such as the regional rail link fiasco.”

The Greens would end the failed experiment of privatised public transport and establish an independent transparent authority to run our trains trams and buses."

“We want to see money spent where its needed – on upgrading and expanding our public transport so we can have reliable and safe trains, trams and buses every ten minutes throughout Melbourne.”

“Instead of wasting $5 billion on the Westlink tunnel and freeway we would invest money in efficient and affordable public transport including to the growing outer suburbs to get people out of their cars – and ease congestion that way. “

"This is also a federal election issue. Greens propose that the federal government should fund projects such as a train to the airport, high speed rail from Melbourne to Sydney and freight rail lines and intermodal freight hubs to get trucks off our streets, instead of more freeways and tunnels."

Janet is second on The Greens Senate ticket. The Greens lead senate candidate Dr Richard Di Natale is tipped to become Victoria’s first Greens Senator.

"I’m proud to be a support candidate for Richard in this election. He has an excellent chance of winning and along with Greens Senators from other states, of holding the balance of power in the Senate after the election. Richard too is a keen cyclist – he recently did a tour of regional Victoria by bike and train to talk about health."