Sydney Greens divided
By Doug Hine
SYDNEY — The Sydney Greens, a Green political group in the Glebe-Leichhardt area, met on September 16 to deal with the issue of proscription of members of other political parties.
A split was inevitable when it became apparent that some members were no longer prepared to work with members of other political parties within the Sydney Greens. Supporters of the right of members of other political parties to be involved were understandably unwilling to compromise to the extent that would have allayed the concerns of the proscriptionists.
A proposal that Sydney Greens adopt a form of proscription was lost with five votes for, seven against and two abstentions. A further meeting was suggested to look at creative compromises on this issue, but most of those in favour of proscription are unlikely to attend.
The fallout from the meeting suggested that it is likely that a new Inner Sydney Green group will now be formed that will include proscription as part of its membership criteria.