The Australian Greens are calling on the Coalition to stop bickering and vote for clearer food labelling.

"The Country of Origin food labelling Bill that is currently before Parliament is the result of years of consultation with the industry. It deserves this government's support," said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"This issue has cross-party support. Why would Barnaby Joyce deliberately reject the help of others who have a long-standing commitment to it?

Under questioning by Greens Senator Rachel Siewert, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed berries being imported to Australia are not being subjected to any extra safety checks, in spite of contaminated products sparking an outbreak of Hepatitis A.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Dr Paul Grimes has told a Senate Estimates hearing this morning, "We have not made changes on surveillance rates broadly at this stage."

Senator Siewert has described that as a completely ludicrous failure.

Greens Leader Christine Milne says changes to the Foreign Investment Review Board are a step in the right direction, but there's a long way to go if Australia is serious about protecting our food future.

"It's critical we make sure that Australia's agricultural land and water are seen as key national assets not to be sold off recklessly," said Senator Milne.

The Liberals, Nationals and Labor have voted down a Greens' motion calling on the NSW state government to extend national park protection for the Gardens of Stone in the Greater Blue Mountains.
NSW Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon said "Labor, the Liberals and the Nationals have sided with coal companies and the Baird government in refusing to support the growing call for an expansion of national park protection for the Gardens of Stone.

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne says further, urgent efforts must be made to save Australians Andrew Chan and Mayuran Sukumaran from execution in Indonesia, and changes are needed to ensure their situation is not repeated.

"I'm calling on Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to make one last trip to Indonesia to try to intervene on behalf of these men, who have now been told they will be killed within three weeks," said Senator Milne.

"Let's not talk about the ‘fate' of these men while we may still have the power to change it.

Greens Leader Christine Milne says it is great news and a democratic victory that Australian journalist Peter Greste has finally been released from prison in Egypt.

"I am so happy for Peter and his family, who have all been so strong and stoic throughout these 400 days of injustice," said Senator Milne.

"Journalism is not a crime, and we must keep up the pressure on Egypt to free Peter Greste's Al Jazeera colleagues, who have suffered alongside him for simply doing their jobs.

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne has written to the Indonesian President urging him to reconsider his determination to apply the death penalty to Australians Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukamaran.

"I have asked President Widodo to remember his election pledge to improve respect for human rights, which gave rise to great hope in Indonesia and around the region," said Senator Milne.

"I have shared with the President my hope that his commitment to honouring human rights will extend to the matter of the death penalty.

The Australian Greens will move the following motion when Federal Parliament resumes in 2015:

*581 Leader of the Australian Greens (Senator Milne): To move-That the Senate-

(a) notes that:

(i) on 13 October 2014, the British House of Commons passed a motion to recommend the United Kingdom recognise the state of Palestine, and

(ii) the state of Palestine is currently recognised by 135 states; and

Greens Leader Christine Milne says the Abbott government's new strategy for restricting consular assistance to Australians abroad leaves too much room for interpretation and political motivation.

"Who decides what constitutes illegal or reckless behaviour? According to which country's laws? By what standards?" asked Senator Milne.

The Australian Senate has declared support for Peter Greste and freedom of the press, endorsing a motion moved by Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"Today the Senate has called on the Egyptian Government to ensure a fair, just and timely resolution to Peter Greste's appeal process," said Senator Milne.

"There have been many encouraging signs along the way that have not come to fruition but we welcome the recent news that Egyptian President al-Sisi is considering a pardon for Peter Greste.