The Australian Greens have moved a Senate motion marking the 54th Anniverary of the raising of the Morning Star flag - a day celebrated as the unofficial day of Papuan Independence. 

Motion Text:

960:  Leader of the Australian Greens (Senator Di Natale): To move-That the Senate-

(a) notes that 1 December 2015 marks the 54th anniversary of the raising of the Morning Star flag by the people of West Papua, a day celebrated as the unofficial day of Papuan independence;

Australian Greens Leader Dr Richard Di Natale has this morning expressed his deepest sympathies for the people of Paris.

"On behalf of the Australian Greens, our thoughts are with the people of Paris who have lost loved ones in this horrendous and senseless violence," said Senator Di Natale.

"It now appears that these coordinated attacks were a brutal act of terrorism and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

"Australia should do whatever it can to assist France in this time of tragedy and heartbreak."

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Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson Scott Ludlam says it is great news that jailed Al Jazeera journalists Mohamad Fahmy and Baher Mohamed have been pardoned by Egyptian President al-Sisi, but is dismayed that this clemency has not yet been extended to their Australian colleague Peter Greste.

"We are thrilled for Mohamad and Baher and their families, who have been so strong throughout this drawn out injustice of 21 months in prison for doing their jobs," said Senator Ludlam.

The Australian Greens have condemned the Abbott Government's decision to commence airstrikes in Syria, warning it will worsen the refugee crisis and aggravate extremism.

"At a time when our community is desperate to show compassion to people fleeing war in Syria, Tony Abbott is dropping bombs," said Greens Leader Richard Di Natale.

"I'm so proud of the way Australians have told the government loud and clear that we are strong enough to offer protection to people seeking refuge from war.

The Australian Greens have today called on the Abbott Government not to mistake the use of force with showing genuine strength when it comes to helping the four million people fleeing Syria.

“Four million people are fleeing war in Syria at a time when there are record numbers of displaced people around the world. We are strong enough to give a home to 20,000 extra refugees without trading one vulnerable fleeing family for another,” said Australian Greens Leader, Dr Richard Di Natale.

Australian Greens foreign affairs spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam has accused the Australian government of unforgivable silence over the blockade of Gaza, in light of a UN statement today that the area will become uninhabitable by 2020 if the current economic conditions there continue.

"Ordinary Palestinians have been caught up in this political siege for too long," Senator Ludlam said.

Australian Greens foreign affairs spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam today condemned the conviction of Peter Greste.

 “Journalism is not a crime,” said Senator Ludlam.

“This entire situation has been one injustice after another and this verdict ensures that Peter and his fellow journalists will carry the stain of that injustice for the rest of their lives.

Greens Leader Richard Di Natale says it shouldn't be up to Tony Abbott or the United States to decide if Australia will join air strikes in Syria.

"Australia needs to have its own independent foreign policy, and the Parliament should decide whether or not we send Australians into harm's way," Senator Di Natale said.

"Ultimately it doesn't matter if the request to bomb Syria came from Mr Abbott or the US - the only way to be sure that political self-interest doesn't determine whether our troops are put in danger is for the Parliament to decide.