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.

It is with great shock and sadness that I have discovered that I hold dual citizenship of Australia and Canada. As people would know after the recent departure of my dear friend and former colleague Scott Ludlam, section 44 of the Australian constitution means I cannot hold office in the federal Parliament.

I want to share a message with you following Scott's announcement that he will be resigning from the Parliament. It's been devastating for our parliamentary team to learn this news, and I’m sure you are all feeling exactly the same way.

Scott is an outstanding member of the Parliament and of the Greens. He has been a strong representative for the people of WA and the nation.

Senator Scott Ludlam resignation

Recently it was brought to my attention that I hold dual citizenship of Australia and New Zealand. Under Section 44 of the Australian constitution I am therefore ineligible to hold elected office in the Federal Parliament.