Greens launch campaigns for Janet Murray and Kim Grierson as federal candidates Hunter and Shortland

Ms Grierson, who grew up in Lake Macquarie, has spent over 27 years working with TAFE NSW as part of a unit supporting physically disabled students "from Newcastle to Scone".

"The Greens' education policy provides for excellent free public education from early childcare through to TAFE and University," Ms Grierson said

"Australia needs to properly train and retrain people without burdening them with tens of thousands of dollars of debt."

As well as a focus on education, Ms Grierson said "urgent and valiant" climate action is needed to ensure a stable climate for the next generation.

"Sea-level rise and bigger storms are affecting our beaches from Blacksmiths to Budgewoi," she said.

"The Greens are the only party with an appropriate transition plan to help us move to a low emissions economy and support affected workers."

Hunter candidate Janet Murray managed the Blast Furnace Department at the Newcastle Steelworks prior to its closure. Ms Murray said "it's time to end the lie that we'll be mining coal for decades to come".

"The LNP and Labor are giving false hope to our coal workers and I know from my own experience that the sooner you face reality, the sooner you can plan your future," she said.

"That's why it's critical to implement our recently announced Greens plan to create a Job-for- Job Guarantee to subsidise wages for coal workers and support communities as the coal industry winds down.

"Our plan to establish a Diversification Fund will bring about a renewable energy revolution and encourage new low emissions businesses to invest in the area and employ people from the mining industry."

Citing Ms Grierson's membership of the Community Consultative Committee for Eraring Power Station and Ms Murray's experience in rebuilding industry, lead Greens candidate for NSW David Shoebridge described both as "ideal candidates".

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