Kerry profile picture

Kerry

About Me

Hi I'm Kerry and I was elected as the first Greens Senator for New South Wales in 2001.

Since then I've been a progressive voice in the Parliament and in the community on a range of issues. I've spoken out against the invasion of Iraq, been at the forefront of exposing the government's treatment of asylum seekers and been an advocate for public education and also the reproductive rights of women.

Before I was elected I had lived in Kakadu National Park working with the Traditional Owners of the land to successfully stop the Jabiluka Uranium Mine being built. I also spent time living in East Timor teaching English to Timorese women and was a youth worker in a multicultural community centre in Western Sydney.

You can read more about me at www.kerrynettle.org.au

My Interests

I'd like to meet:


Three things you don't know about me:
1) I was a timekeeper for Ian Thorpe when he was a nipper.
2) I played the trumpet in the world marching band championships.
3) Speak a bit of Tetum (the main language of East Timor)
Favourite food to cook: Tomato pasta. I also make a nice risotto
Desert island necessity: fresh water
Favourite reality TV program: carbon cops
Favourite fitness activity: swimming
Worst habit: staying at work too late
Hidden talent: knitting
Last music purchase: The Waifs
Car you drive: I ride my bike or walk + drive a toyota prius when i need to drive a car
Favourite book: harry potter
Favourite film: The Island
Favourite band: Lucie Thorne
Favourite TV program: the robin hood series that just finished
Best thing about being a politician: meeting people who are passionate about a particular issue and being able to help them with their issue
Worst thing about being a politician: not getting to spend as much time with family and friends as I would like .

My Blog

Federal Court Haneef decision makes Andrews’ position untenable

Today's vindication of Dr Haneef  by the Federal Court makes MinisterAndrews' position as Immigration Minister untenable.Justice Spender has judged that Minister Andrews' actions were outsidethe ...
Posted by on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 20:53:00 GMT

Bishop should not back private school spin job

Today I criticised Education Minister Julie Bishop's decision to launch a private school lobby group's report on schools funding as ugly politics and an abrogation of her ministerial responsibility to...
Posted by on Sun, 19 Aug 2007 22:51:00 GMT

Climate Change Visa Bill debated in the Senate today

A historic debate on the need for Australia to recognise refugeesaffected by Climate Change will be debated in the Senate today at around 4:30pm.
Posted by on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 22:10:00 GMT

Minister Andrews must quit after reissuing Dr Haneef a visa

I'm calling on Minister Andrews to resign after reissuing Dr Haneef his visa.Minister Andrews has abused the powers of his office by politicisingthis matter and should resign from office.This scandal ...
Posted by on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:57:00 GMT

Greens will move for Senate Inquiry into Haneef scandal

The Senate will resume sitting in two weeks and I will move to establish an Inquiry into the scandal surrounding Haneef's criminal investigation and visacancellation if an independent inquiry is not...
Posted by on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 22:14:00 GMT

Handling of Haneef case must be investigated

I'm calling for an investigation into the leaks and misinformation surrounding Dr Haneef's prosecution.There have been so many mistakes. I am deeply concerned that this case is raising both serious ...
Posted by on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:20:00 GMT

Paid maternity leave too expensive for Labor

Ms Tanya Plibersek, the ALP Shadow Minister for Women said on Channel Ten's "Meet the Press" that the ALP did not support paid maternity leave because it would be too expensive.The ALP and Government ...
Posted by on Sun, 22 Jul 2007 18:00:00 GMT