Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that the government’s Cheaper Childcare Bill, introduced to parliament today, doesn’t go far enough, and should make early education and care universal and free.

Senator Faruqi said:

“We have an opportunity here to deliver universal and free childcare. This bill does not go anywhere near far enough.

“Expensive and inaccessible childcare has held women and families back for too long.

The Greens have called on Labor to support its bill to establish a National Energy Transition Authority, which was introduced in the Senate today by Gladstone-based Queensland Senator Penny Allman-Payne.

The National Energy Transition Authority Bill 2022 establishes a new independent public authority to guide Australia’s shift from an economy powered by polluting coal and gas to one powered by reliable, secure and low-cost renewable energy.

Greens Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Peace and Nuclear Disarmament will accept IPAN’s petition and table it in the Australian Senate today. 

Line attributable to Senator Jordon Steele-John:

“I am proud to receive and table in the Senate Independent and Peaceful Australia Network's petition which has been signed by 26,700 members of the community.”

After years of campaigning with a united voice of Nothing About Us Without Us, the disability community and Australian Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John welcome the appointment of more disabled people into leadership positions in the NDIA. 

Lines attributed to Senator Jordon Steele-John, Disabled Person and Australian Greens spokesperson for Disability Rights and Services. 

“Today, like many in our community, I am feeling relief that finally, we have some more disabled people in leadership positions within the National Disability Insurance Agency.

The Australian Greens remain deeply concerned at the recent crackdown on dissent in Iran, with official reports of at least 22 protesters killed and more than 1,000 Iranians detained.

Lines attributable to Greens leader in the senate and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters

I rise to give my condolences on the death of Queen Elizabeth the Second, and to extend my sympathies to her family and those who knew her personally.

Elizabeth Windsor became the Queen of Australia in 1952 and reigned for 70 years. During that time, extraordinary changes occurred in our nation, and in her empire. Many colonised nations sought and achieved independence, and many more signalled their intention to break from the United Kingdom.