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.

If Darren Chester is elected at this weekend's by-election poll, the Greens will hold him to the commitment he made supporting cleaning up political donations.

"At the Bairnsdale Meet the Candidates meeting Darren Chester supported the Greens campaign to reform political donations" said Dr Malcolm McKelvie, Greens candidate for Gippsland.

"The Greens have campaigned for many years against corporate donations to political parties, because this is how big business influences policy", Dr McKelvie said. 

 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".