BY KEITH JACKSON

THE AUSTRALIAN GREENS say they find the human rights situation in PNG "very disturbing” and are helping the PNG Greens in their efforts to run for Parliament.

Daniel Patman, a spokesman for Greens leader, Senator Bob Brown, says that “we understand that PNG's governance system needs a great deal of new energy and reform so that the interests of people and the environment are better protected.”

Mr Patman was responding to a representation from PNG Attitude reader Trevor Freestone, who expressed concern about the policies of mining companies in PNG.

“Currently many of them are using or considering using deep sea tailings disposal,” Mr Freestone wrote. “These sites are going to cause major problems. They will eventually poison Australian waters. The PNG government is supporting these plans.”

Mr Freestone also said that “corruption appears to be a major concern and the local people whose lands and rivers are affected don’t have a say on these mining projects.”

Daniel Patman said the Greens “will continue to support the development of a participatory democracy in PNG that can strengthen social cohesion and foster the active participation of disenfranchised communities.”

He also revealed that his party is lobbying for the PNG Government to legislate for to a quota for 22 seats reserved for women in Parliament.

“We are also helping the PNG Greens in their efforts to run for Parliament,” he said.