Drug Detection Dog Repeal Bill launch feat. internationally renowned musicians

Today Greens member for Newtown Jenny Leong will give notice of a bill to end the use of drug detection dogs without a warrant on public transport, at festivals, bars and Kings Cross.

The Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Amendment (Sniffer Dogs—Repeal of Powers) Bill 2015 aims to repeal parts of the Law Enforcement Powers and Responsibilities Act 2002 relating to the use of drug detection dogs.  The Bill is the latest part of the Greens NSW “Sniff Off” campaign against the use of drug dogs. 

The campaign is supported by musicians and performers including Paul Mac and Dan McNamee (from Art vs Science) who aim to protect their audiences from over-policing.

A Sniff Off Party will be held on Saturday 30 May at the Red Rattler in Marrickville, featuring Paul Mac and other artists.

The Greens have launched a fresh bid for a parliamentary inquiry into the toxic WestConnex Project, with Greens NSW Transport spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi introducing a notice of motion into the NSW Legislative Council. (Full wording below).

Download the petition to support the inquiry and stop WestConnex

Following new revelations this morning undermining the over $15 billion WestConnex project – with the government’s own modelling showing the project will not ease congestion on Sydney’s roads – Greens WestConnex spokesperson and MP for Newtown Jenny Leong has called for a halt to this tollway disaster.

“WestConnex is shaping up as the Nightmare on King St parts 1 to 15 billion,” she said.

Media Release: 20 May 2015

The Greens NSW spokesperson for WestConnex and Member for Newtown Jenny Leong MP has expressed disgust at Minister for Roads Duncan Gay for his insulting comments directed at concerned residents opposed to WestConnex and congratulated Marrickville Council on their latest move to oppose the project

Minister Gaye’s comments in the SMH.

 “The school yard style insults reportedly made at a Committee for the Economic Development of Australia lunch by the Minister for Roads shows the complete disregard he has for genuine community concerns about the misuse of public money on polluting tollways,” Jenny said.

Jenny Leong MP for Newtown and NSW Greens spokesperson for WestConnex has congratulated Marrickville Council on their stand against WestConnex and in support of community action.

At their meeting on 19 May 2015, Marrickville Council passed a motion to create and fund the WestConnex Advisory Committee and called for a full parliamentary inquiry and a halt to the tender process.

Responding to Greens MP for Newtown Jenny Leong in Question Time today, Minister for Transport Andrew Constance confirmed the government would finally release parts of the full business case for WestConnex.

The Minister’s office confirmed that the non-commercial-in-confidence elements of the business case would be released in July.

MEDIA RELEASE: Anglicare snapshot shows that it’s time for urgent action on housing affordability crisis

An important new Rental Affordability Snapshot from Anglicare highlights the need for broad reforms to housing policy and tenancy laws to address the crisis in the state’s housing sector, warn the Greens.