Scott Ludlam takes up his post as Senator for Western Australia
today, on the fortieth birthday of the nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty
(NPT).

“The greenest chapter in our Senate’s history begins today with five
Greens representing Australians who voted for climate justice, clean
energy, human rights and a sustainable economy,” he said.

“I am delighted to start this journey forty years to the day since
the signing of the treaty that promised a nuclear weapon free world,
and I look forward to adding my efforts to the new global push to
eliminate these weapons.

“This is an exciting time to represent Green voters. We are polling
16% in Western Australia right now (Newspoll, 27 June 2008). This is
occurring because the issues Greens have been campaigning on for
decades are now at the forefront of public concern.

“With the climate sceptics out of the way, we have a real
opportunity to focus on solutions.  I am convinced that we have the
know-how and technology to provide long term clean energy in our cities
and regions.

“Dealing with climate change and oil depletion is absolutely
affordable when compared to military spending, which is currently
consuming ten times more funding than Australia’s climate adaptation
budget.

“If we make changes now, climate change will have provided an
opportunity for realising human security in a more just and peaceful
world.

“I am honoured to represent Western Australia at this time.  Our
state has provided some great policy makers that have advanced peace,
environmental sustainability and social justice, and I look forward to
playing a part in that proud history.”