MEDIA RELEASE: Penny Wong misleads public on MDBA Basin Plan

Posted on August 11, 2010 by

Michael Eckford (aka Michael Anderson) Senate candidate for NSW is an executive member of the MDBA Northern Basin Aboriginal Nations.

When asked why the  Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) failed to release its water strategy, Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Penny Wong, said (10/8/10) in a media conference in Adelaide with PM Julia Gillard that the Murray Darling Basin Authority is an independent authority which makes its own decisions, not at the request of the Minister.

Michael Eckford said today: “It is a blatant misrepresentation of the truth for Minister Wong to claim she has no power over the  Murray Darling Basin Authority and that it is an entirely independent authority.  The fact is that Penny Wong has discretionary powers over the MDBA and has used these powers and influence to instruct the MDBA on government policy issues.”

“It is my firm belief Minister Wong has exercised her authority to have the MDBA suppress their water strategy until after the election. To misrepresent the facts to the public during an election campaign is outright despicable.”

“This country is in a crisis over water management and over allocation and we need lively open debate.”

“Living on Country in NW NSW next to Cubby station, I have first hand experience of the water crisis and the destructive impact on natural ecosystems when water is diverted away  from wetlands and the floodplains for long periods, in order to supply the commercial needs of  large irrigators and mining companies.

“There has to be equity. When elected to the Senate I will work to improve water policies so that big corporations don’t have the monopoly over water allocations. We need to spread water fairly and this can be achieved by making smaller allocations available, which will be sustainable for irrigation by encouraging smaller family farms similar to Europe.”

“I will also work towards the health of the Murray Darling Basin, including the implementation of roster flows into riparian areas – our billabongs, swamps, wetlands, lagoons and backwaters, which are integral to the maintenance of totemic, native plants and animals important to Aboriginal culture.”
–
Michael Eckford (aka Michael Anderson)
Senate Candidate NSW, 2010 Federal Election

Mobile: 0427 292 492
Landline: 02 6829 6355
Email: michael.eckford2010@gmail.com
Website: http://www.michaeleckfordanderson.com

Facebook: Profile
Facebook: Fan Page
Twitter: http://twitter.com/michael_eckford

Posted in aboriginal, climate change, environment, farming, how to vote, human rights, michael anderson, Michael Eckford, michael eckford anderson, policies, politics, republic, senate, social justice, water management | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Download campaign flyer for printing

Posted on August 10, 2010 by

If you want to help me get into the Senate this election as an Independent download my A5 flyer and give it out to as many people as possible … this is how we can work together at the grassroots level.

DOWNLOAD CAMPAIGN FLYER

Posted in aboriginal, climate change, environment, farming, how to vote, human rights, michael anderson, Michael Eckford, michael eckford anderson, policies, senate, social justice, socialjustice, water management | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Correction about Get Up High Court case

Posted on August 10, 2010 by

FALSE ALARM MOB! The was an error in my media release yesterday … the Get Up case only dealt with around 100,000 people who attempted to get on the role within the 7 day period after the election was called. If you are not one of these persons turning up to the polling booth with your ID will not help.

Media from the Get Up High Court case:

High Court upholds GetUp! case
Up to 100,000 more Australians could be allowed to vote in the August 21 election after the High Court today ruled…
- ABC

GetUp! wins High Court challenge to electoral roll cut-off
Political advocacy group GetUp! has won its High Court bid to have the Electoral Act amended, which will lead to up…
- The Australian

GetUp High Court win overturns Howard’s electoral laws
The High Court has ruled that Howard-era laws that close the electoral rolls on the day that writs for an election…
- Sydney Morning Herald

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MEDIA RELEASE: Be Senate Smart! We now have a chance to make a change for a New Way

Posted on August 8, 2010 by
Monday 9 August 2010

Today Michael Eckford aka Anderson launched his Senate campaign in NSW on the United Nations International Day for the World’s Indigenous People’s.

“I am standing for the Senate in NSW because I believe that Australia needs to find a New Way and free itself from being the last outpost of British colonialism. It’s long overdue for a strong Black voice to come forward and stand up for Environmental and Social Justice.”

Mr Eckford, a long-term Aboriginal and Human Rights activist, is a sheep and cattle grazing farmer on his traditional lands in northwest NSW.

“By launching my Senate Candidate campaign on the International Day for the World’s Indigenous Peoples I want to highlight the human rights issues still facing my people today.”

“I also want to highlight that Aboriginal culture has always demanded a rigorous and diligent commitment to Caring for Country which is very relevant as we face the continuing issues of Climate Change.”

“We should not forget that Aboriginal People looked after this country, the native animals and plants for well over 60,000 years. This is sustainability.”

As a modern farmer on his traditional lands, Mr Eckford maintains that the integrity and continuity of  his culture does not have to impede economic success.

“We can find a real balance between sustainable economic development and Caring for Country.”

“I am committed to finding real, meaningful and sustainable solutions to sustain economic development across the various business sectors, while addressing human, environmental and cultural needs.”

“Australians now have a unique opportunity to change the way politicians do business. If you want change take the responsibility in your own hands and vote for Independents, who are not gagged by the party politics.”

Mr Eckford is joining forces with former and disaffected ALP political campaigner from the central coast of NSW, Ms Criselee Stevens, who is also standing as an independent.
“I’m encouraging everyone to vote this federal election.”

“As a result of the recent Get-Up High Court case (4/5 August 2010) everyone eligible to vote can now vote. It’s simple, just turn up at a polling station with your ID and vote for a New Way. Be Senate Smart!”

NB: The Australian Electoral Commission maintains that  a candidate must use his or her registered birth name on the ballot papers. Michael Anderson – who used his mother’s married name for most of his life – had to register as Michael Eckford.

Contact: Michael Eckford (aka Michael Anderson) 
Mobile: 0427 292 492  Landline: 02 6829 6355
Email: michael.eckford2010@gmail.com
Website: http://www.michaeleckfordanderson.com

Michael Eckford – Policies
Michael Eckford – About
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Michael Eckford aka Anderson VOTE 1 NSW Senate this federal election, 21 August 2010

Posted on August 7, 2010 by

Michael Eckford and Criselee Stevens running as Independent Senate Candidates NSW in the upcoming 2010 Federal Election on 21 August.

“I am standing for the Senate in NSW because I believe Australia needs to find a New Way and free itself from being the last outpost of British colonialism. It’s overdue for a strong Black voice to come forward and stand up for Social Justice and Human Rights …

… and we should not forget that our People looked after this country, the native animals and plants for well over 60,000 years. This is sustainability.”

- Michael Eckford (aka Michael Anderson), Independent Senate Candidate NSW

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