VIDEO AUDIO

Parliament House Image

NEWS REPORTER (V.O) Outspoken environmentalist Catherine Miller, the newly elected Greens member for the Augusta-Mary River Region of Western Australia, has delivered her maiden speech, demanding an immediate end to the shark cull off southern Western Australian beaches.

Current WA Premier Image Colin Barnett NEWS REPORTER (V.O) Ms. Miller wasted no time in raising a wide range of controversial topics. Without hesitation she blasted the current Liberal Government and their poor history of managing of environmental issues.

Great White Shark Image NEWS REPORTER (V.O) Ms. Miller was vocal in calling for a scientific review of the potential long term damage to the marine ecosystem as a result of the shark cull.

Image Broome Gas NEWS REPORTER (V.O) She spoke of the need for stronger, untouchable environmental laws; detailing the need to implement laws that cannot be overthrown by the government or the environmental protection agencies. She explained that the Western Australian government needed an exemption from federal environmental laws to carry out the shark cull. Ms. Miller wants such exemptions stopped and asks us what right does the Government have to be able to grant permission to kill a an endangered species. CATHERINE MILLER QUOTE It was the people of the Broome community who stood up to the big gas guys and to date have managed to keep the gas rigs away from the Kimberley coastline. I want to see more of that here. If the people of Margaret River dont want a coal mine on their doorstep; lets do something about it. Likewise with the shark cull. 6000 people converged on Cottesloe Beach in February to protest against this slaughter, a further 23,000 public submission of concerned was received. Lets stand up for what is important to us.

Image Indigenous Literacy Education and the youth of the South West Region will be another key focus for Ms. Miller.

She listed indigenous literacy programs as being something she intends to boost and give her full support during her time in government.

Image of Tafe WA She also spoke of the need to establish more tertiary institutions in the area as a way to retain local youths and keep them within the region.

Image Open Cut Mine CATHERINE MILLER QUOTE In the Augusta-Mary River Region we have mining, we have agriculture and fisheries. The opportunities in this region are endless for training and career development. We need to train our kids and give them the first opportunity to earn the money and move ahead with rewarding careers in our local area, instead of outsourcing work to outsiders.

Image of Margaret River NEWS REPORTER Ms. Miller said she was proud and honoured to be the first Greens woman elected to the area she calls home and promises to remain as a strong voice for the South West Region. Ms. Miller said she is ready to ruffle some political feathers; if need be.