Science

Some scientific discoveries pose huge ethical questions that concern the Greens, from nuclear power to GM crops, as well as developments like nanotechnology that are widely used in consumer products despite our limited understanding of their impact on human health.

Nanotechnology: Plan for a Mandatory Workplace Register — by volunteer — last modified Sep 09, 2010 03:11 PM

Greens propose national mandatory register of manufactured nanoparticles in commercial use The Australian Greens are proposing a mandatory register for manufactured nanoparticles that are in commercial use to protect workers in industry where nanotechnology is used and to allow regulators and employers to better manage the risks presented by this new technology (ABC's The World Today, today).

Health safety requires labelling of nano sunscreens — by susie — last modified Jul 09, 2010 02:14 PM

Greens MP and health spokesperson is calling on the NSW government to move towards mandatory labelling of nano-sunscreens, with yet another published research study showing the health risks of applying sunscreens using nanoparticles.

The devil is in the details — by Lee Rhiannon — last modified Feb 26, 2010 12:52 AM

In an article published on the ABC's The Drum: Unleased, Greens spokesperson for science and medical research, Lee Rhiannon examined the issue of nanotechnology, warning that if proper safeguards are not in place, nanotechnology could be the asbestos of the 21st century.

Nanoparticles in top cosmetics: testing and labelling needed — by alisono — last modified Nov 25, 2009 10:31 AM

In response to scientific testing commissioned by Friends of the Earth and released today, revealing that nanotechnology is used in beauty products sold by eight leading cosmetic brands, Greens MP and health spokesperson Lee Rhiannon is calling for new laws around safety testing and the mandatory labelling of products containing nanotechnology. (Sydney Morning Herald, 24 November 2009, page 5).

Nanotechnology DNA dangers: tougher regulation needed — by alisono — last modified Nov 06, 2009 09:53 AM

Greens MP and health spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says new research showing nanoparticles can damage DNA without even penetrating cells should be a wake up call to the NSW government to pursue mandatory labelling of nano-ingredients in sunscreen and cosmetics and of nanoparticles in workplaces (‘Medicine particles could endanger cell DNA’, Sydney Morning Herald, page 3).

When threats replace debate on the question of stem cells — by pretaadmin — last modified May 18, 2009 03:16 PM

Cardinal George Pell was not the only leading Australian Catholic who threatened "consequences" for Catholic MPs who voted for stem cell legislation. Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey went further than Cardinal Pell. He not only asserted that Catholic politicians supporting stem cell research should be excluded from holy communion - he added the threat of excommunication.

Can your research influence Government and change the world? — by pretaadmin — last modified May 18, 2009 01:01 PM

The topic for my talk is whether or not your research can influence governments and save the world. The answer is absolutely yes - as long as we go about it the right way. Scientific research has had an uneasy relationship with governments irrespective of their political bent. Perhaps the real question is - does research influence governments, or do governments influence research? The unfortunate truth is that in politics there is rarely such a thing as pure science - and if you want to save the world, scientists can't afford to ignore the political context.

Public interest forgotten in NSW government response to nanotechnology report — by pretaadmin — last modified May 11, 2009 03:09 PM

Commenting on the release of the NSW Government's response to the Nanotechnology Inquiry report, Greens MP and health spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said the Rees government’s failure to adopt key recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Nanotechnology is a set back for workplace and public safety and consumer choice.

Somersby sand mine approval looms: Della Bosca ducks responsibility — by pretaadmin — last modified Apr 15, 2009 01:03 PM

Greens MP and health spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says the Minister for Health and Minister for the Central Coast John Della Bosca failed to detail how he is working to prevent the imminent approval of the Somersby sand mine, when questioned in the NSW Parliament today.