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Formation
The Greens (WA) formed on January 1st 1990 from a merger of the W.A. Green Party and the Green Earth Alliance.
The Green Earth Alliance was a merger between the Alternative Coalition, the Valentine Peace Group and Green Development.
Why formed
All the above groups shared similar visions and decided that they could achieve their aims and beliefs more effectively as one organisation.
The Greens view the world and politics "holistically (as one)" believing that all issues are connected. We are committed to more openness, cooperation and respect for each other while working for change.
Beliefs
The Greens (WA) work towards a vision of a world with;
- A sustainable Ecology
- Social and Economic Equity
- Grassroots Participatory Democracy
- Peace, non-violence and disarmament
Towards this vision we consider the principles of interrelatedness, global balance, sustainability, diversity, indigenous rights, conservation imperative, equity, societal structures, human rights, self reliance and appropriate development.
(See also how the Greens WA differ from other parties )
Leadership and Structure
The Greens (WA) do not have a formal leader. There are office bearer roles for which people are elected or nominated to carry out essential party functioning;
In the Senate (upper house of Federal Parliament) we have Dee Margetts, representing the whole of W.A.
In the Legislative Council (upper house of W.A.'s State Parliament) we have Jim Scott, representing the South Metropolitan Region, Giz Watson, representing the North Metropolitan Region, and Dr. Christine Sharpe, representing the South-West Region.
The Greens (WA) are made up of a number of Regional Councils, some of which are themselves made up of local groups. The Regional Councils send representatives to a council of representatives that makes decisions for state management.
The Greens (WA) try to arrive at decisions using a consensus process rather than voting.
(see also Greens(WA) Organisation and Structure )
Supporters
Anybody can be a supporter of the Greens (WA). We are generally supported by people and organisations that share our vision. These are often community and lobby groups.
There are opportunities for people to become involved with the Greens (WA) in ways that suit them. The greens philosophy is to empower people to be in control of their own lives, and to live in a wise and caring way to protect all life on the planet.
References
- GREEN POLITICS in Australia, edited by Drew Hutton. 1987. This is a good general book on Green Politics in Australia
- BUILDING UNITED JUDGEMENT, by Avery, Auvine, Streibel & Weiss 1981. ( Chapter 1 to 5 provide a good background to consensus decision making.)
