The foreign influence and espionage legislation that is being rushed through Parliament will have serious impacts on people’s right to protest and journalism, Greens Justice Spokesperson Nick McKim says.

“We are seeing rights, freedoms and liberties in this country ripped away before our very eyes,” Senator McKim said.

“This legislation will criminalise a wide range of peaceful protests and public interest journalism.”

“It will be a significant hindrance of freedom of speech and assembly, and nothing less than the Liberals trying to crack down on dissenting voices.”

The Senate has called on the Environment Minister to do the job the community expects him to and actually protect the environment, says Queensland Greens Senator and spokesperson for the environment Andrew Bartlett.

The Senate passed Senator Bartlett’s motion demanding the Environment Minister protect the Great Barrier Reef by controlling land clearing in catchment areas.

"Large-scale clearing in the catchment areas of the Reef results in increased runoff, damaging coral and encouraging invasive species like the Crown of Thorns starfish.

26 June 2018

Notice of Motion

Mr President,

I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move that the Senate –

(a)  Notes that

(i) over 36 000 hectares have been earmarked to be bulldozed in catchments flowing into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park under permits brought in under the previous Liberal National Party government in Queensland;

MEDIA RELEASE - 27 June 2018

Senate supports Greens motion change to opening prayers

Today the Senate has supported a Greens motion requiring the Senate Procedure Committee to set up an inquiry into changing the Senate opening from a Christian prayer to an inclusive statement.

Senator Lee Rhiannon, Greens spokesperson for Democracy moved the motion to make the Senate more respectful of our nation’s diverse and multicultural population.

Notice of Motion - Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales)

I give notice that I will move:

1. That the following proposed amendments to standing order 50 be referred to the Procedure Committee for inquiry and report by 22 August 2018:

(a) in the first paragraph, omit all words after "following", substitute "invitation to prayer or reflection: Senators, let us in silence pray or reflect upon our responsibilities to all people of Australia and to future generations";and

Prayers in Parliament – how we can be inclusive of all faiths

Dear Senators,

We, the undersigned faith leaders for a range of religions and beliefs, have decided to collectively write to you and all Australian Senators to request that you give careful consideration to how the work of your institution, the Senate, can be more representative of  Australian society in the 21^st century.

Heartbreaking revelations that 100% of kids in Northern Territory Youth Detention are Aboriginal shows a completely broken justice system that is still not addressing systemic racism that has purveyed for so long. 

“There’s no other way to put it, the fact that there are no non-indigenous kids in NT youth detention at the moment is a result of a broken system that disproportionately incarcerates First Peoples youth. 

The Turnbull Government is making university more expensive, less accessible and putting more pressure on graduates struggling to get a foothold on their futures.

“It says everything about this Government’s priorities when it would rather give a leg up to millionaires and mega-rich corporations instead of young Australians trying to get their start in life,” Greens higher education spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.