The Australian Federal Police decision to discontinue its anti-terrorism control orders over David Hicks has been welcomed by Australian Greens Attorney General Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam.

"The move from the AFP to discontinue their heavy handed treatment of David Hicks is an acknowledgement that public sentiment is spot on: Australia is a country which values human rights," Senator Ludlam said.

"Finally, David Hicks is being treated with the dignity, and respect of privacy that everyone has a right to."

The Australian Greens today condemned the Government's move to commence welfare quarantining trials in Cannington and the Kimberley in Western Australia.

"It is clear that the Government has not thought through the impacts of their planned welfare quarantining trials. I am appalled that the Government thinks this type of approach is the way to deal with this complex social problem," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

Self-regulation by advertisers of junk food does not work and will not solve Australia's childhood obesity epidemic, according to Australian Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown.

Speaking during a Senate inquiry into a proposed ban on junk food advertising on children's television and in schools, Senator Brown said that the industry proposals for self-regulation were aimed at preventing a legislated ban on junk food ads aimed at children.

"Advertising self-regulation on health issues hasn't worked with the tobacco industry, or with alcohol, and it is not working with junk food."