2018-08-16
Environmental and women’s rights activist Cate Faehrmann has been elected as the newest Greens MP in the NSW Parliament Legislative Council, replacing outgoing MP Mehreen Faruqi who has moved to the federal Senate. Ms Faehrmann will take on the key portfolio responsibilities for the Greens of the Environment, Women, Transport, Animal Welfare, Drugs and Harm Minimisation, the Arts, Voluntary Euthanasia and Young People.
Cate Faehrmann was previously a member of the NSW Parliament from 2010-2013, and most recently, was Chief of Staff for parliamentary leader of the Australian Greens, Richard Di Natale. Ms Faehrmann is a previous Chair of Sea Shepherd Australia, Executive Director of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, founding director of GetUp!, and a former Director of the Environmental Defenders Office NSW.
“I'm humbled and excited to have been elected as an MP in the NSW Parliament and can’t wait to start campaigning for the Greens for a more just and sustainable society.
“This is a crucial time in NSW politics. We are facing record drought, an unprecedented early bushfire season, out of control land clearing and the death of the once mighty Darling River.
“I come to this role with a long history of environmental activism, so I am proud to take responsibility for the Environment portfolio for the Greens. I look forward to working with the community and in parliament on campaigns to protect nature and safeguard our climate.
“Other priorities for my term in parliament will include abortion law reform, a new approach to drugs, improving the rights of animals and finally making dying with dignity legal.
“I am proud to represent the Greens because of our shared values of environmental sustainability, social and economic justice, and the desire to work for a society that puts people and planet first – not the vested interests of the big business buddies and dodgy developer donors of the old parties,” Ms Faehrmann said.
Cate Faehrmann’s Portfolio Responsibilities for the NSW Greens:
- Environment
- Transport, Roads and Ports
- Status of Women
- Animal Welfare
- Arts and Creative Industries
- Drugs and Harm Minimisation
- Voluntary Euthanasia
- Young People
- Western Sydney