Passionate Politics

About this book

Come behind the scenes through seventy interviews with key founders and members. Firsthand accounts reveal the schisms and accommodations which created the WA Greens party on New Year's Day 1990 out of four progressive groups campaigning against nuclear energy, for the environment, for the south west forests and on social justice issues. Inside a growing party, members committed to grassroots decision-making negotiate the dilemmas of power and professionalism, conflict and consensus. Readers will experience the highs and lows of the campaign trail with enthusiastic candidates and volunteers. Embracing the Global Greens vision of nonviolence and peace, social justice, environmentalism and grassroots democracy, Greens (WA) members are committed to radical political change. Yet, parliamentary success is the ostensible goal of a political party. Every day Greens members negotiate this dilemma - unique to a party steeped in radical social and environmental movements. Come backstage at parliament house as Greens politicians share their challenges, fears and successes.