The register would meet a key call from unions, backed by the nanotechnology industry’s previous peak body, for accurate information for workers and employers regarding the use of manufactured nanoparticles in the workplace. France and the Netherlands have committed to mandatory notification and registration for commercial use of manufactured nanomaterial

“Despite urgent calls from unions, backed by industry groups, there is still no mandatory disclosure of nanoparticles used in workplaces, and no mandatory register of companies using manufactured nanoparticles," Greens Senate candidate for NSW Lee Rhiannon said.

“Without this basic information, Australian regulators, workers and employers are flying blind.

“If Australia is serious about avoiding a repeat of the asbestos tragedy, we must ensure appropriate oversight of this emerging field, and the new health risks it poses.

“This register will give regulators, workers and employers the information they need to make informed decisions about occupational exposure and risk management.

“Importantly, a national mandatory register of manufactured nanoparticles, which is publicly accessible, will also build public confidence in federal government oversight of this powerful new technology.

“Nanotechnology, the ‘science of the small’, is attracting growing attention from industries world-wide.

“Hundreds of Australian products now contain nano-ingredients, including cosmetics, paints, textiles, building equipment, cleaning products, industrial catalysts and more.

“Senior scientists have warned that some nanoparticles pose serious new health and safety risks. There is evidence that some nanoparticles – carbon nanotubes – can cause asbestos-like disease.

“The Greens are committed to socially and environmentally responsible innovation. We understand that we need to learn from the lessons of the past, and Australia’s woeful track record on asbestos.

“Today, we commit to put the health of people and the environment first in management of the technologies of the future.”

This is what happened to Ark who has had the courage to publicly expose what the Commission is doing to him.

Ark's stand is incredibly important, as he has outed the Commission's cohesive powers that mean those interrogated cannot pick their legal team or discuss the secret investigations they are subjected to.

I met Ark at the Sydney May Day rally and he is doing a great job travelling around the country building support for the abolition of
the ABCC.

The rallies being held around the country are an embarrassing reminder of the Labor government's failure to toss out the ABCC, a leftover of the Howard government years.

It was set up with the clear intent of targeting the CFMEU and driving down wages and conditions for construction workers. And who does that benefit, some of the biggest corporations in town.

Senator Rachel Siewert moved in the federal parliament to abolish the ABCC. Labor and the Coalition voted to defeat the Greens bill.

Labor should commit now that after the coming federal election when the Greens and Labor should have the numbers in the Senate that they will immediately move to abolish the ABCC.

Lee Rhiannon is the Greens NSW IR spokesperson.

SMH 'Another accident on CBD building site'.

"More stringent regulation of building sites is needed and this issue warrants the attention and support of the Premier," Ms Rhiannon said.

"There have been at least two serious building site accidents this year in Sydney, and last year a 12 storey scaffold collapsed in the CBD, trapping a worker and injuring three pedestrians.

"These incidents serve as a wake up call to the NSW government to stand up to Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard's Work Health and Safety proposal that, if introduced, would downgrade job safety in NSW.

"The ACTU has criticised the Gillard plan and it is time the Keneally government publicly backed the peak union body on this issue.

"Premier Keneally should be working closely with unions in the coming months to establish strong worksite safety measures. With the prospect of a NSW Coalition government being elected in 2011 this should be a priority for Labor.

"Right now unions and their peak bodies have been sidelined in this rush by the federal and state Labor governments to sign off on their harmonisation plan.

"This is the Premier's opportunity to provide national leadership
in the face of Minister Gillard's watering down plans.

"The Greens are not against attempts to bring consistency to the many occupational health and safety laws and regulations across the different states and territories, but the aim always has to be to raise standards, not to leave workers worse off.

"Existing occupational health and safety laws have come about through the struggle and sacrifice of working people over many decades.

"No one has the right to water down these conditions," Ms Rhiannon said.

Contact:    Greens MP Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568

"The Greens congratulate the NSW Nurses' Association for its strong and ongoing commitment to delivering safe patient care," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The NSW Government needs to match this commitment by increasing funding to address inadequate staffing and skill mix, rather than putting pressure on nurses to do more with less money.

"Much recent media attention has focussed on who should be funding public health services. This is an important consideration, but it is one that masks long-term under-funding.

"What matters more than where the money comes from is how much there is to recruit, train and support the people who look after us, including nurses.

"Particularly in Western Sydney and Regional NSW, cuts to staffing levels and a lack of recruitment are putting immense undue pressure on nurses, and this in turn creates risks for the community.

"In negotiations, nurses see workloads, skills mix and safe patient care as equally important as pay conditions.

"It's a poor reflection on the NSW government that due to inadequate funding the Nurses' Association has to organise workshops to help nurses cope with inadequate staffing levels.

"We need to take care of the people who take care of us," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The Greens congratulate the NSW Nurses' Association for its strong and ongoing commitment to delivering safe patient care," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The NSW Government needs to match this commitment by increasing funding to address inadequate staffing and skill mix, rather than putting pressure on nurses to do more with less money.

"Much recent media attention has focussed on who should be funding public health services. This is an important consideration, but it is one that masks long-term under-funding.

"What matters more than where the money comes from is how much there is to recruit, train and support the people who look after us, including nurses.

"Particularly in Western Sydney and Regional NSW, cuts to staffing levels and a lack of recruitment are putting immense undue pressure on nurses, and this in turn creates risks for the community.

"In negotiations, nurses see workloads, skills mix and safe patient care as equally important as pay conditions.

"It's a poor reflection on the NSW government that due to inadequate funding the Nurses' Association has to organise workshops to help nurses cope with inadequate staffing levels.

"We need to take care of the people who take care of us," Ms Rhiannon said.

"South West Sydney already suffers high levels of unemployment and social disadvantage from poor housing and transport options. This is another body blow to the area.

"The aviation industry brings skills, jobs and an economic boost to NSW and the government must not let it wither on the vine.

"The Premier's recent attempt to talk up NSW as a defence industry hub will look lame if she allows these 350 jobs to go to Victoria.

"The government must see through the spin of Boeing that Milperra workers will be able to take up positions at the relocated Melbourne site.

"Asking workers and their families to move states is untenable and belies the reality of their day to day lives.

"Boeing's decision will impact adversely on workers and their families and see a negative ripple effect on the NSW economy," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 0427 861 568