Australian Greens Senator for NSW and Housing spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has said that the National Cabinet has manifestly failed to provide any leadership or direction on national housing policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Housing must be put back on the agenda for a national response.

Senator Faruqi said:

“After weeks of promising more information and direction, the National Cabinet has completely dropped the ball on housing. It must be put back on the agenda and dealt with urgently.

Australian Greens Senator for NSW and Education spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi said the Greens would back 565,000 international students by today introducing amendments to make temporary visa holders eligible for the JobKeeper scheme.

Senator Faruqi said:

“Over the last two weeks, I have received hundreds of messages from international students who have lost their jobs and now face an incredibly uncertain future.

Australian Greens Senator for NSW and Education spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has said that the federal government has abandoned international students to the risk of poverty and homelessness. Today the government confirmed it would provide no financial support for international student visa holders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Faruqi has called for income support for international students during the COVID-19 crisis.

Senator Faruqi said:

Australian Greens Senator for NSW and Education spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has said that the Prime Minister must announce measures to immediately support early childhood education and care.

As priorities, the government must:

Australian Greens Senator for NSW and Animal Welfare spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has said the rest of the country must follow Tasmania and stop greyhound and horse racing immediately.

Senator Faruqi said:

“It’s absolutely crazy that greyhound and horse racing is continuing in the middle of a global pandemic.

“It’s clear the only reason racing has been allowed to continue is because of the remarkable power and influence of the gambling and racing industries.

Australian Greens Senator for NSW and International Development spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has called on the Australian Government to act immediately and increase funding to Pacific countries for COVID-19 support, in response to reports that infection figures have more than doubled since last week. Another death was reported in Guam yesterday. 

Senator Faruqi said:

Australian Greens Senator for NSW and Animal Welfare spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has said that all greyhound and horse racing should cease immediately in Australia.

Senator Faruqi said:

“It’s galling that greyhound and horse racing is allowed to continue in this public health crisis. 

“Organised sports, cinemas, restaurants and shops are shutting down but the government is turning a blind eye to these cruel industries.

“We need an immediate moratorium on racing. Animal cruelty is not an essential service.

Australian Greens Senator and Animal Welfare spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has called on the Government to commit to recognising veterinary and animal care, rescue and protection services as essential services during the COVID-19 public health crisis. With vets and animal welfare organisations in urgent need of clarity from the Government about their ability to operate under future restrictions and lockdowns, the Government now must declare these services essential.

Senator Faruqi said:

Australian Greens Senator and Education spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has called on the federal government to protect the jobs of educators and child care workers. Child care is an essential public service and as enrolments fall and children are kept home, the government must intervene to ensure early learning and child care services survive COVID-19.

The government must:

Greens Senator and spokersperson for education, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, called for the inclusion of international students in income support and the coronavirus supplement.

Senator Faruqi said:

“With the stroke of a pen, the minister could give international students the same income support and coronavirus supplement as their local peers.

“I’m calling on the Minister to do exactly that to make sure no international student in Australia is left hungry or homeless by this crisis.