Previously secret documents released on the CBD Metro show how the public is being slugged with stupidly high fees, levied by lawyers and accountants and other private firms, because the government has contracted out the provision of advice once provided by public servants," Ms Rhiannon said.

"15 boxes of previously secret documents about the CBD Metro, released after a Greens motion was passed by the Upper House, include a smattering of bills from law firms hired by RailCorp and the Premier's Department to attend meetings, draft contracts and provide advice.

"One bill alone shows big corporate law firm Clayton Utz slugged the Premier's Department more than $120,000 for a month's work. If the company billed the government at this rate over a year it would receive over $1.5 million in public money for a project that subsequently fell-over.

"Another invoice shows the secondment of a Clayton Utz lawyer to the Co-ordinator General's office in the Premier's Department for 22 days. The officer was paid nearly $900 a day, representing an annual salary of over $230,000.

"The hidden costs of the failed CBD Metro project are yet to be revealed but these documents show that the invoices levied by private consultants could well add up to many millions.

"Over a decade the NSW Labor government has created a bureaucratic culture whereby the advice of internal staff is shunned in favour of private consultants, with expertise draining out of government departments at a rapid rate.

"While stinging the public, this approach creates a culture where government departments are overseeing rather than delivering public projects.

"Relying on advice provided at arm's length by the private sector removes the impetus on government agencies to keep their eye on the ball, contributing to the mess that projects like the CBD Metro and Cross City Tunnel have got into," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551/0427 861 568

"15 boxes of previously secret documents about the CBD Metro, released after a Greens motion was passed by the Upper House, include a smattering of bills from law firms hired by RailCorp and the Premier's Department to attend meetings, draft contracts and provide advice.

"One bill alone shows big corporate law firm Clayton Utz slugged the Premier's Department more than $120,000 for a month's work. If the company billed the government at this rate over a year it would receive over $1.5 million in public money for a project that subsequently fell-over.

"Another invoice shows the secondment of a Clayton Utz lawyer to the Co-ordinator General's office in the Premier's Department for 22 days. The officer was paid nearly $900 a day, representing an annual salary of over $230,000.

"The hidden costs of the failed CBD Metro project are yet to be revealed but these documents show that the invoices levied by private consultants could well add up to many millions.

"Over a decade the NSW Labor government has created a bureaucratic culture whereby the advice of internal staff is shunned in favour of private consultants, with expertise draining out of government departments at a rapid rate.

"While stinging the public, this approach creates a culture where government departments are overseeing rather than delivering public projects.

"Relying on advice provided at arm's length by the private sector removes the impetus on government agencies to keep their eye on the ball, contributing to the mess that projects like the CBD Metro and Cross City Tunnel have got into," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551/0427 861 568

“The increased vote for the Greens reflects a desire from the Australian public for real action on climate change. This will drive my work in Federal Parliament,” Senator Rhiannon said.

“The agreement negotiated by the Greens with the Gillard government provides a real chance to reinvigorate politics and reform the parliamentary process.

“I will continue my work for electoral funding reform begun through the Greens Democracy4Sale project, to refresh the democratic process by eliminating the special access currently enjoyed by big business.

“Better public transport for NSW will be a priority. The Federal government must invest in Sydney’s crumbling network and provide rail options for regional NSW to stop the growth in trucks on our roads.

“I will also work to achieve other goals I pledged to pursue the week before the election.

“These include a shift from coal to renewable energy, a better deal for public education and the end to woodchipping of the south east forests.

“Taking the voice of local communities across NSW to Federal Parliament will remain one of my key priorities.

 “The new political terrain, where the Greens hold the balance of power in the Senate, is an exciting opportunity.

“I am looking forward to working with Senator Bob Brown and the Greens federal parliamentary team. We will work responsibly to help deliver real change with an eye to a sustainable and progressive future.

“I thank all members and supporters who campaigned for the Greens and the voters of NSW,” Ms Rhiannon said.

The Greens received 443,913 votes in the NSW Senate ballot. This is 10.69 per cent of the vote.

For more information: Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568

See Lee Rhiannon’s election pledge:

(SMH, p 5 today).

“It is madness to allow mining companies to plunder NSW’s seabed and coastline,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“Advent Energy’s exploration license for up to 50kms from the offshore Sydney basin is the thin edge of the wedge.

“Today the company is targeting a site invisible from shore. Tomorrow residents up and down the coast could see big drilling rigs out at sea.

“Protecting tourism and the natural marine environment should be the priority of the Federal Minister for the Environment Peter Garrett, not lining the pockets of mining companies.

“The government should have rejected outright the application but is caught up in the excitement of a gas field as plentiful as Bass Strait.

“In NSW the pattern is that exploration inevitably leads to full scale mining.

“Governments and mining companies go through the motions of environmental assessments but as sure as night follows day approval is then granted.

“There is plentiful evidence on the table already about the impact of drilling on whale migration, marine life and the potential pollution of our ocean and beaches.

“Minister Garrett should be examining the overseas experience carefully and move to preserve our much loved coast from destructive mining,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“Labor and the Coalition are arguing about which of our neighbours should bear Australia’s responsibility for processing refugees and asylum seekers,” Ms Rhiannon said.

"Labor could have challenged off-shore processing when they were in Opposition, but they too seem more interested in electoral outcomes than humanitarian ones.

“The Greens have long called for an end to off-shore processing. Asylum seekers should not be treated differently because of the way they arrive in Australia.
Refugees should be processed quickly and humanely on the mainland, while ensuring that all security and medical checks are undertaken.

“This policy not only makes economic sense, it reflects the fact that the vast majority of people who come to Australia by boat are found to be genuine refugees.

“The Greens also want to immediately end the detention of children. As of August 3, it was reported that there were 739 children in detention. That is just 84 shy of the Howard government’s ‘record’.

“The Federal government has an international obligation to accept genuine refugees and asylum seekers, and a moral obligation to treat them humanely.  

“Suspending the claims of Tamil and Afghan asylum seekers was grubby politics. Playing electoral games with people’s lives is disgraceful.

“Australian troops are dying in Afghanistan – how much more dangerous must it be for ordinary Afghan citizens? The situation there is reportedly deteriorating, not improving.

“During the election, Prime Minister Julia Gillard boasted of increased rejection of Sri Lankan asylum seekers, but 80 to 90 per cent of these rejections are being overturned on review.

“The halt in processing Tamil claims has now been lifted. You have to ask why they were suspended in the first place.

“The desperate situations Tamil and Afghani refugees face in their home-countries would cause enormous mental strain.  The Australian government is adding to this by pursuing mandatory detention, offshore processing and playing these people for electoral advantage.

“It’s time for all parties to end the politicisation of these people, and to start treating them with humanity and compassion,” Ms Rhiannon said.