Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (16:16): I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria board meeting, held in the week beginning 16 June 2013, approved the first funding grants under its new funding model,

(ii) one of the first three countries receiving funding is Myanmar, with which Australia has established significant ties, including support for its health sector and efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis,

Greens Senator for NSW Lee Rhiannon has warned the Labor government against using a deficient ARTC study released today to shirk its responsibility to carefully consider the health impacts of coal dust.

"The ARTC report is compromised by methodological shortcomings, has not been independently reviewed and fails to consider the cumulative health impacts of dust from coal stockpiles, mining and road and rail transport," Senator Rhiannon said.

With the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee expected to recommend today that RU486 and Misoprostol be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (the PBS) Australian Greens are calling on Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek to move quickly to ensure Australian women have access to affordable medical abortion.

Background paper on the issue available here: http://tiny.cc/al93vw

Over the weekend I read many of the more than 150 submissions to the Senate Inquiry into the health impacts of air pollution,  that will hold its first hearing in Newcastle tomorrow. Greens health spokesperson Senator Richard Di Natale won the support of the other parties to hold this inquiry.  

Greens Senator for NSW Lee Rhiannon was interviewed on the ABC Radio Newcastle morning show about the Greens-initiated Senate Inquiry into Air Pollution, scheduled for next Tuesday 16 April in Newcastle. More detail here. 

Both Labor and the Opposition voted against a motion yesterrday put by Australian Greens Senator for NSW Lee Rhiannon calling on them to reject the proposed forth coal terminal (T4) because of its impact on public health in the Hunter.

See coverage today in the Newcastle Herald

The Australian Greens are calling on both Labor and the Opposition to voice their support for women's right to choose and pledge to resist any attempts by DLP Senator John Madigan to wind back access to safe and confidential reproductive health services, including abortion services.

"Senator Madigan has his eye on securing the balance of power in the next government and is laying the ground work for pro-life deals which place women's rights in jeopardy," Australian Greens spokesperson for women Senator Lee Rhiannon said.

Despite noises of concern from federal MPs in the Hunter about the adverse health impacts of polluting coal dust, Labor and the Coalition joined forces in the Senate today to vote down a motion to establish a Senate Inquiry into the health impacts of coal mining, coal transport and coal export in the Hunter.

"Hunter residents will be disappointed that today in the Senate, Labor voted against setting up an inquiry into health impacts of coal dust on Hunter residents," said Greens Senator for NSW Lee Rhiannon.