New Western Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam was sworn in today in the Senate Chamber, pledging to put nuclear issues and climate change at the top of Australia's agenda.

"Key priorities in the next six years will be helping Australian communities prepare for the challenges of peak oil and climate change, and continuing the important work of campaigning for a nuclear-free world and ensuring that Australia does not fall for the fallacy that nuclear power could be a solution to climate change"

"I also will be urging greater action on unlocking Federal funding for public transport and affordable and sustainable housing."

Senator Ludlam said it was an exciting time to be representing The Greens - the fastest growing political party in Australia - and to be moving into shared balance of power in the Senate."

"I am delighted to be a part of the expanded Green team that is bringing a sense of determination and optimism to the environmental and social challenges in front of us."

"I am also determined to continue my work for a nuclear-free world, starting with holding the Government to its promise to repeal the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005 - a retrograde Act that would impose a radioactive dump on unwilling communities in the Northern Territory."

"The Greens have been elected to hold the Government to account, but also to be advocates for a clean, carbon-neutral economy. These challenges are not something for our children and grandchildren, they are upon us now."

"The Greens in Western Australia have responsibly and productively held the balance of power for over ten years. I've had great role models in taking up this serious role, which comes with great opportunities and responsibilities."

Senator Ludlam joins Senator Rachel Siewert from Western Australia, as the fifth Western Australian Greens representative in Canberra since Jo Vallentine won a Senate seat in 1984.

For more information: Felicity Hill 0417 174 302