Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale has congratulated Sen. Larissa Waters on her return to the position of Co-Deputy Leader of the Greens, a position she vacated as a result of her resignation from the Parliament over questions of eligibility under Section 44 of the constitution.
 

I want to thank Lee Rhiannon for her many years of dedicated service to the people of New South Wales and to the Greens during her time as an elected representative.

Lee has devoted her life to fighting for a better world and particularly to giving a voice for communities fighting oppression across the globe.

Lee has made a significant contribution in improving our democracy through political donations reform, as well as advancing animal welfare.

The Australian Greens have praised a decision by the Australian Human Rights Commission denying the Queensland government a temporary exemption from the Disability Discrimination Act for their new rail network.

Disability rights spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John has condemned the government’s attempt to weasel out of their obligation to disabled Australians to ensure access to their public transport network, and the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Following Barnaby Joyce's resignation as Nationals Leader, Greens Leader Senator Richard Di Natale has called for any new agreement between the Liberals and the Nationals to be made public. 

"Barnaby Joyce has finally done what he should have done weeks ago and resigned as Leader of the Nationals," Senator Di Natale said. 

"Instead of resigning when serious allegations of wrongdoing were made public weeks ago, he's acted in his own self interest in an attempt to cling onto power.

Bandt challenges Labor on preference deals.

Greens MP Adam Bandt today challenged Labor to come clean about reports of preference negotiations and deals in Batman with Cory Bernardi’s Australian Conservatives. 

“Cory Bernardi has said he aims to preference Labor in Batman ‘subject to negotiations’,” said Mr Bandt.

“Labor did a deal with the Liberals last election to get preferences in Batman and it looks like they might do it again with Cory Bernardi.

Australian Greens Leader, Dr Richard Di Natale, has commended former Senators Larissa Waters and Scott Ludlam for their integrity following today’s High Court ruling on MPs citizenship.

“Larissa and Scott have acted honestly and with full accountability to the Australian people throughout this process.”

“When these issues first came to light, they did the honourable thing and resigned from the parliament. Larissa and Scott have shown respect for the constitution, for the parliament and most importantly, for the Australian people, and I respect them immensely for that.

Australian Greens Leader, Dr Richard Di Natale has welcomed the announcement of Dr Samantha Ratnam as the new leader of the Victorian Greens. Samantha was announced as leader in Melbourne today, with Nina Springle selected as her deputy.

“Samantha is an outstanding community leader and has committed so much of her time to helping make our nation better,” Senator Di Natale said.

I would like to congratulate my dear friend and colleague Senator Rachel Siewert for winning the prestigious Missen Award for integrity in politics.

Rachel has been an outstanding advocate and member of parliament, who has dedicated her time as a Senator to assisting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community.

It is pretty well known in Parliament House across party lines that Rachel is one of the hardest working Senators in this place.

As a senate committee chair she has a reputation for getting consensus on committee reports that lead to real outcomes.

I’m gutted by Larissa’s announcement, coming just days after Scott’s. Larissa has been an outstanding Senator and Deputy Leader. Her departure is deeply saddening.

This is unprecedented and deeply disappointing – personally for Larissa, for her family and for the Greens federally and in Queensland.

The Parliament and the nation are worse off as a result of the resignation of two leaders of such integrity and ability as Larissa and Scott.