Giving Australians control of their vote should be the key priority for all sides of politics engaging in the debate on whether reform to Senate voting is needed, said Australian Greens democracy spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon.

“The reason we need to reform Senate voting is because the current system does not allow voters to control their preferences – instead it gives that power over to political parties.

“Supporting Senate voting reform is essential to maintaining a democratic electoral system which empowers voters. 

The Greens have expressed dismay that their Senate motion in support of Newcastle City Council's Environmentally and Socially Responsible Investment policy was voted down today by the Coalition and Labor.

Greens Senator for NSW Lee Rhiannon said: "It's a shame that federal Labor have failed to back their colleagues on Newcastle City Council in their moves to update the Council's Environmentally and Socially Responsible Investment policy.

A Senate debate on the Greens' national ICAC Bill has revealed neither Liberal nor Labor are willing to support a national corruption watchdog or an independent advisor on pollies' perks.

"It's no wonder the community has lost faith in politicians. We need a national ICAC," Senator Di Natale said.

"Was that confected outrage we saw from Labor over Bronwyn Bishop? Have the Liberals learned nothing?

"Neither major party is willing to restore public confidence in our Parliament by passing the Greens' anti-corruption bill. That is a catastrophic failure of leadership.

Greens democracy spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon has said immediate steps should be taken to increase transparency of how MPs' use their parliamentary allowances by making all information available on a searchable website.

"Putting the public spotlight on how MPs spend their allowances will put pressure on MPs to do the right thing," Senator Rhiannon said.

"The public should not have to wait for another inquiry to be completed before being given access to this information.

Greens democracy spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon has advocated that the federal parliament legislate for political donation reform before the next election raising concerns that another parliamentary inquiry should not delay action.

"Political donation reforms are already well documented. We know what needs to happen - MPs should get on with the job and pass the necessary legislation," Senator Rhiannon said.

Senator Lee Rhiannon Greens democracy spokesperson:

"Prime Minister Tony Abbott's probation plan for Bronwyn Bishop is meaningless. He should both refer it to the AFP and ask her to stand aside as Speaker until the issue of her allowance misuse is resolved.

"This ongoing saga is damaging not just to the Abbott government but also to the standing of office of the Speaker.

Greens democracy spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said:

"If Bronwyn Bishop signed the parliamentary form declaring that her $5000 is a legitimate expense then it is fraud and paying back the money is not enough.

"There needs to be an Australian Federal Police investigation.

"If the AFP investigation confirms what appears to be evident then the Speaker should be prosecuted. If convicted Mrs Bishop should resign from parliament.

"If the AFP fails to investigate they are effectively politicising their own actions because of their inconsistency.