Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said Tasmanian youth were leading the nation in voter enrolment as the deadline for the close of the electoral rolls draws near. Australian Electoral Commission data for 30 June 2013 shows that youth participation rates for 18-25 year-olds in Tasmania are the highest in Australia at 85.7%, leading the ACT by 2.7%, and QLD by 15.1%.

"I believe young people have an integral role to play in the bright future of Tasmania - their vote in the coming election is powerful and can make all the difference," said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said today that Environment Minister Mark Butler's decision on the proposed Venture Minerals open-cut mine in the Tarkine is a political ploy in a marginal electorate on the first day of a Federal election.

"Minister Butler was always going to make the decision he made today for the same political reasons Tony Burke shocked the country by ignoring the Australian Heritage Councils recommendations to protect the Tarkine earlier this year," said Senator Whish-Wilson.

Senator Peter Whish-Wilson and Greens' candidate for Bass, Lucy Landon-Lane - both former campaigners against the Tamar Valley Pulp mill proposal - reacted to the news that the former head of Gunns, John Gay, has pleaded guilty to insider trading by calling for closure for the community on the divisive pulp mill project.

"Today should be the last chapter of this sad and sorry pulp mill saga - its time for Tasmania to now move on and invest our energies in a new future," said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson today said that the Federal Court's decision to uphold an appeal against a proposed mine at Nelson Bay River was welcome news for the long-term prospects of the Tarkine, and the endangered species that reside there.

"This result is in line with the Australian Heritage Council recommendation that the Tarkine be protected for its outstanding conservation values," said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said Prime Minister Rudd's back-flip on the carbon pricing mechanism will not only mean the big polluters pay less but will stifle investment in renewables while blowing a hole in the Tasmanian budget.

"Business and investment decisions were made in response to the carbon price and in step with the necessary transition to renewable energy sources," said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

Today Senator Peter Whish-Wilson was joined by Australian Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne and Tasmanian Greens Leader Nick McKim to launch "Tasmania 2030" a vision for a green, dynamic, and prosperous economy. 

Senator Whish-Wilson says the Greens are the only party with a long term vision for Tasmania’s economic future.

 "The Greens are economy builders with a vision for continuing the long term economic transition currently underway in Tasmania," Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said.

Only the Greens stand in the way of Tony Abbott gaining absolute power of the parliament, Australian Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said in Canberra today.

"I'm here today with all of the Greens' lead candidates to deliver the strong message that a vote for the Greens is a vote against Tony Abbott controlling the parliament."

The Australian Greens today have called on Labor and the Coalition to support changes to food labelling laws in the wake of concerns Simplot could close facilities in both Tasmania and NSW due to falling profits.

"We know consumers want to support Australian farmers and producers but the current food labelling rules are just too confusing," said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, spokesperson for trade and competition policy.

"A vital step the old parties can take to support our producers and food industry is to back a Greens Bill to change food labelling laws.