The Australian Greens say Malcolm Turnbull is using the ABCC as an excuse to dissolve Parliament and distract from his divided government.

“In my short time in parliament I’ve seen a political system rife with chaos and division, with 5 Prime Ministers in 5 years. Malcolm Turnbull promised an end to that but he is actually presiding over an even more chaotic and divided government than his predecessor,” said Greens Leader Richard Di Natale.

Would you like to be kept updated about Robert's work in the Senate and the community? 

Subscribe to one or all of his regular electronic newsletters: Marriage Equality & Sexuality Update, Higher Education Update, and Simms in the Senate.

Simply email Robert's office to be added to the mailing list.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (16:12): I rise to speak on the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee report on contamination caused by firefighting foams at RAAF Base Williamtown and Australian Defence Force facilities. On behalf of the Greens, I moved for this inquiry and was pleased to get the support of the Senate. We moved to do that because of the rising concerns of residents at Williamtown, and many other people as well, that the Department of Defence was not being responsible in how it was responding.

Greens Leader Richard Di Natale says it's time for Prime Minister Turnbull to articulate a timetable for Australia becoming a republic.

"There's never been a better time for Australia to become a republic," Senator Di Natale said.

"For the first time, all three federal political leaders are in favour of a republic, and with the state and territory leaders declaring their support, there's huge momentum.

"Malcolm Turnbull was the head of the Australian Republican Movement, so it's time for him to show leadership on the issue now that he's Prime Minister.