Dr McKelvie has welcomed Darren Chester's call for all candidates to support the Greens proposal for an increase in the aged pension.

"Darren's advisors seem to have forgotten that last year, Bob Brown put up two motions calling for the Federal Government to approve a $30 a week pension rise to increase their standard of living above the poverty line," said Green candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie. "The Coalition refused to approve both motions".

The big issues facing the people of Gippsland have escaped the attention of the old political parties in this by-election campaign said Greens candidate, Dr Malcolm McKelvie.

"It's as if the old parties had a policy free zone in relation to climate change, strengthening public health and education, ensuring our food supply is safe before allowing GM foods to be grown and providing adequate dental care.

The big issues facing the people of Gippsland have escaped the attention of the old political parties in this by-election campaign said Greens candidate, Dr Malcolm McKelvie.

"It's as if the old parties had a policy free zone in relation to climate change, strengthening public health and education, ensuring our food supply is safe before allowing GM foods to be grown and providing adequate dental care.

Gippsland families could be paying for the water used by large industries in the Latrobe Valley. Greens candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie has warned that Gippsland residents should look carefully at the commercial arrangements for the Gippsland Water Factory

The Greens have condemned the ALP for dressing up another tax rort for plantations as climate policy.

"This law gives investors an up-front 100% tax deduction on their costs in establishing a plantation with no requirement that the trees be kept in the ground.

The Greens, Nationals and Senator Heffernan joined forces to condemn the bill.

"Why is the ALP determined to drive regional Australia off the land and undermine the viability of their communities with this latest tax gift to plantation growers?" said Dr Mckelvie.

 Dr McKelvie has welcomed Darren Chester's call for all candidates to support the Greens proposal for an increase in the aged pension.

"Darren's advisors seem to have forgotten that last year, Bob Brown put up two motions calling for the Federal Government to approve a $30 a week pension rise to increase their standard of living above the poverty line," said Green candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie. "The Coalition refused to approve both motions".

“The Greens in Federal Parliament have this week put up a successful motion for the Rudd Government to start work on international legal action against whaling in our waters” said Greens candidate, Dr Malcolm McKelvie.

"We don’t have whales in Traralgon or Orbost but it is an issue which Australians everywhere feel very strongly about. 

Sarah Hanson-Young, recipient of a prize sponsored by Peter McGauran, has urged Gippsland voters to vote Green in this weekend's by-election.

"Now is the time for people in Gippsland to turn to the Greens.  We offer real vision, and we are serious about representing the whole community in the parliament," Senator-elect Hanson-Young said. 

"We will be pushing for an increase in the old age pension in budget negotiations after July 1".