Voting has now opened for the Victorian Greens lead Senate candidate. with voting closing on 22 May. My nomination statement is printed below, or if you prefer, it's also available as a pdf. The statements from my four nominators are available here, and supporting statements from Greens members and others are here.
Janet for the Senate
Authentic, experienced, with a passion for change.
Authentic.
All my adult life I’ve worked passionately for change. Taking action on climate change has been a huge priority for me since studying meteorology at university more than twenty years ago. It’s the most important issue facing us. Now, it’s an emergency. I’m asking for your support to become our Senator so together we can use the power of that position to lever real change on climate, as well as biodiversity, greening the economy, and the other urgent issues we face.
We will only achieve real change through our leaders genuinely listening to our community, and then acting. Truly valuing the engagement of members is a cornerstone of our party. I think it’s incredibly important that our Victorian Senator has exceptional skills and commitment to working collaboratively. A collaborative approach is not just a skill to me – it’s fundamental to my life’s work. I love working as part of a team. Professionally, I work as a facilitator – working with groups to help them achieve their goals. As a Councillor I made participatory democracy real by bringing the community together to work with Council. I would relish bringing a participatory approach to my work as a Senator.
I’m not your run of the mill politician. I connect with people as being genuine and honest, passionate and committed.
Experienced.
I’m proud of some substantial things I’ve
achieved in my life so far. This is all experience I would bring to the Senate.
The Greens
The success of the Greens in Victoria is something very special. I drove the formation of the party in the early 1990’s, working as part of a dedicated small team, and then contributed ten years on the state executive, including a term as Convenor, and many years as a branch and regional convenor. In recognition of my efforts I was awarded a life membership of the party in 2002 - one of only two ever awarded.
Forests
The magnificent ancient forests of the Errinundra Plateau and in the Rodger River catchment in East Gippsland are protected in National Parks because of the campaigning successes of the East Gippsland Coalition in the mid 80's. I was one of a small team who led these huge campaigns.
Carbon Neutral Governments
Maribyrnong Council was one of the first Councils in Australia to commit to going carbon neutral. This was the highlight of my six years on Council – important in itself and as an inspiration to others. I know it wouldn't have happened at that time without me there.
Greens in Government
I was the second Greens Mayor in Victoria –and the first female one. I’m proud to have held the Greens flag high in Maribyrnong (where I was known for my Mayoral bike instead of a car). I’m proud to have been the first Green Vice-President of Victorian Local Governance Association, and to have paved the way for Cr Rose Iser’s election as President this year.
Green Transport
The transport debate has shifted in the last five years. We’ve gone from contesting the value of public transport to a culture where even the government knows that Melbourne has to have better public transport, walking and cycling. As Chair of the Metropolitan Transport Forum I was a key player in that shift, and led the MTF to have real influence on government and the public debate.
The power of local government
As a Councillor you are in government, making decisions, representing constituents. The issues that I was active on as a Councillor were diverse and the same issues that are tackled at state and national level including health and disability, economic development, indigenous and women’s rights, and advocacy on international human rights. I know these issues –locally to internationally.
Winning
I can win elections. I was elected to Council with a vote of 42%, and re-elected with 36%. My vote of 22% in the Williamstown by-election in 2007 almost doubled the previous Greens vote. I connect with people – it translates to votes. I’m a highly experienced campaigner, having stood in eight local, state and federal elections. I love campaigning, I work hard, and I’m determined that this time we will win.
My passion for change.
Back in 1992 I helped write the Greens Charter. It stands as a beacon for what’s possible. I believe we are facing the most challenging time for humanity. Dangerous climate change is upon us as the world economy collapses. But I remain optimistic. We must tackle the economy, climate change and the environment together. We can have prosperity without growth in resource use, wellbeing without over-consumption, a zero carbon economy. As one of the Australian delegates to the Global Greens conference in Brazil last year, I was inspired at Greens all over the world working together to tackle climate change, poverty, and injustice. I went to the Climate Summit in Canberra in January this year and helped formulate the objectives for climate action across the country– a just transition to 100% renewables, the creation of thousands upon thousands of green jobs, building the movement to make it happen.
My optimism lies in the potential of The Greens to lever change, and the potential of a mass movement of hundreds of thousands of Australians to support us in that quest. To elect Greens to the Senate and to the lower house seats of Melbourne, Sydney, Batman, Fremantle. To be able to tell the old parties that if they want our support to form government then they need to deliver on climate change, on a sustainable economy, on a just society. I ask for your vote to be your Senator, to represent you in this pivotal point in our history.
Janet Rice
0439 363 846
Member VCECC 2009
Councillor, City of Maribyrnong 2003-2008, Mayor 2006
State Executive Member 1992-2002
Victorian Greens Convenor 2002
Awarded Life Membership 2002
Founding Member 1992
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