Charter of the Australian Greens

This charter is taken from the web-site of Senator Bob Brown.

Reflecting an awareness of the interrelatedness of all ecological, social and economic processes, the general principles of The Greens are to:

Ecology

ensure that human activity respects the integrity of ecosystems and does not impair biodiversity and the ecological resilience of life-supporting systems
encourage the development of a consciousness that respects the value of all life

Democracy

increase opportunities for public participation in political, social and economic decision making
break down inequalities of wealth and power which inhibit participatory democracy

Social Justice

eradicate poverty by developing initiatives that address the causes, as well as the symptoms of poverty
provide affirmative action to eliminate discrimination based on gender, age, race, ethnicity, class, religion, disability, sexuality or membership of a minority group
introduce measures that redress the imbalance between rich and poor

Peace

adopt and promote a non-violent resolution of conflict
develop an independent, nonaligned foreign policy
develop a self-reliant, defensive, non-nuclear defence policy

An Ecologically Sustainable Economy

develop economic policies which will ensure greater resource and energy efficiency as well as development and use of environmentally sustainable technologies

Global Responsibility

Promote equity between nations and peoples by:

facilitating fair trading relationships
providing for increased development assistance and concerted international action to abolish Third World debt
providing increased green technology transfer and skills to developing countries
opposing human rights abuses and political oppression
ensuring that Australia plays an active role in promoting peace and ecological sustainability

Long-range Future Focus

avoid action which might risk long-term or irreversible damage to the environment
safeguard the planet's ecological resources on behalf of future generations
reduce dependence oil non-renewable resources and ensure sustainable use of renewable resources
adopt more comprehensive social, environmental and technology assessment practices
facilitate socially and ecologically responsible investment

Meaningful Work

encourage, develop and assist work that is safe, fairly paid, socially useful, personally fulfilling and not harmful to the environment
encourage and facilitate more flexible work arrangements, on-going education, training, and social welfare so that more people can engage in meaningful work

Culture

respect and protect ethnic, religious and racial diversity
recognise the Cultural requirements of the original Australians
assist in ensuring the achievements of Aboriginal land rights and self-determination

Information

Facilitate a free flow of information between citizens and all tiers of government
ensure that Australians have the benefit of a locally responsible, diverse, democratically controlled, independent mass media

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