Greens Senate candidate for the ACT Kerrie Tucker described the Howard Government as a serious threat to democracy in Australia.

"In its time in office so far it has already done serious damage, but a Coalition controlled Senate in the next term risks much more" Kerrie Tucker said today.

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ACTFEDELECT
actf...@act.greens.org.au
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MEDIA RELEASE

Kerrie Tucker - Greens Senate Candidate for the ACT

7 Oct 2004

"Since gaining power in 1996 the Howard Government has

* attacked the courts - particularly through reduction of legal rights for refugees

* reduced civil rights of all Australians in the name of the so called "war on terror"

* taken Australia to war without consulting the parliament

* further politicised the public service

* attempted to change media ownership rules to enable greater concentration of ownership ultimately in the hands of Packer and Murdoch

* attacked the ABC through budget cuts and accusations of bias

* proposed "reforming" the Senate to make it a rubber stamp for the government

* sacrificed sovereignty to sign up to the US Free Trade agreement

* Shown unconscionable disrespect for democratic processes and indigenous rights (as has the ALP)by abolishing ATSIC, the only elected national indigenous representative body; and

* eroded trust in the political system by the continual use of incorrect information to justify its agenda."

"It is not surprising Mr Packer came out yesterday endorsing Mr Howard. He has a lot to gain. It was only because there was a strong Senate that the attempt to reduce diversity - and therefore independence of the media - failed."

"The continual use of incorrect information is seen by many as pattern of deliberate lying. But whether in fact this is intentional lying, an incessant failure to ask the right questions or simply serious incompetence - our democracy is much lesser for it."

"If the Coalition controls the Senate after this election it will be free to do pretty well what it likes to democracy and rights in Australia. John Howard does not represent Liberal values in this regard, and Liberal voters need to consider voting for a strong Senate by putting the Greens first" Ms Tucker said.

Media contact Roland Manderson 0412241379

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Roland Manderson
ACT Federal Election Campaign Coordinator
Australian Greens (ACT)
Ethos House Ainslie Ave Canberra ACT 2601
61620132 0412241379 fax 62476455
actf...@act.greens.org.au
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