The Greens called today for "solar on every roof" as a way of increasing the security of the supply of electricity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Most electricity in Queensland is generated using climate damaging coal fired power stations.

"With the huge amount of residential development on the Gold Coast, we are in a great position to reduce greenhouse emissions and costs to consumers by making a solar panel and PVCs (photo-voltaic cells) a requirement for every new home" said Julie-Ann Teluk, Greens candidate for Broadwater.

The Queensland Greens have today indicated their support of the Australian Medical Association’s (AMA) call for lolly and chocolate fundraisers to be banned from schools, but say it will only be viable in conjunction with increased government funding to schools.

Queensland Greens Spokesperson, Juanita Wheeler said that such a ban would only be viable if the State Government significantly increased the funding currently going to schools to compensate for the loss of revenue.

“School communities, including school based clubs and Parent’s and Citizens organisations who conduct chocolate and lolly fundraisers do so because the level of funding schools receive is not adequate to cover all the costs of a holistic education program,” Ms Wheeler said.

Ms Wheeler said the fundraising goals of chocolate and lolly drives can include air conditioning for hot classrooms, new buildings, sports equipment and school trips.

Ms Wheeler commended the recommendations of the AMA, stating that they are directly in line with Greens Health policy.

“The Greens support holistic health policies and initiatives that encourage healthy eating in children and young people,” Ms Wheeler said.

“We just need to simultaneously ensure the opportunities for our children at school do not diminish as a result of the loss of this type of revenue stream.”

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:

Juanita Wheeler
Spokesperson, Queensland Greens
National Convenor, Australian Greens
Mobile: 0402 487 110