Jo Vallentine was the first Australian Green Party Senator. She brought principled action to Australia's federal Senate, earning her the scorn of many "business as usual" politicians, as she served as advocate and voice in Australia's Parliament for a number of progressive issues for 8 years
Jo grew up Catholic in a conservative family, deeply absorbing Catholic teachings of compassion and care for the poor. While traveling extensively as a young adult, Jo witnessed masses of poor people held down by the religious, economic and political limitations, and began a transition away from conservative doctrines. Jo has been active with the Friends(Quaker) meeting in Perth, Western Australia since 1972.
Jo's first election to the senate was as part of the Nuclear Disarmament Party, but national coalition-building led to the national establishment of the Green Party.
I interviewed Jo Vallentine on February 14, 2006, in the course of my 3-week visit to Australia with the Friendly FolkDancers.
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Music Featured:
The Times They Are A-Changin' - Bob Dylan
Peace Is - Fred Small
Too Many People - Fred Small
Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around - Charlie King
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