Freedom of press and freedom to protest are fundamental tenets of our democracy. But they are being increasingly trampled on and squeezed by this government. If Senator Stoker is actually interested in facts, these are the facts that you should be really concerned about: that our democratic rights are being trampled on by your government.

Peter Dutton's plan to allow the Australian Signals Directorate to spy on Australians is a dangerous and unjustified attack on fundamental rights, Greens Justice Spokesperson Nick McKim says.

"For the Liberals to try to push this through just days after raids on journalists shows how little they respect basic rights and freedom of the press," Senator McKim said.

"For two decades the major parties have endorsed wave after wave of increased surveillance powers for security agencies which have undermined Australians' privacy and civil liberties."

A Religious Discrimination Act should not be used to undermine or override state based anti-discrimination laws, the Australian Greens say, following the release of the government’s response to the Ruddock Review.

A Religious Discrimination Act should not be used to undermine or override state based anti-discrimination laws, the Australian Greens say, following the release of the government’s response to the Ruddock Review.

Greens Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said: “Religious freedom cannot be viewed in isolation, nor should it be used as a political weapon in an act of vengeance for the marriage equality vote.”

The passage of laws to make it easier for Governments to use the army within Australia is a dangerous step for our country, Greens Justice spokesperson Nick McKim said.

Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton’s plans to leave people stateless is yet another attack on the rule of law and people’s fundamental rights, Greens Justice spokesperson Nick McKim says.

The Greens will tomorrow move an order for production of documents motion in the Senate, demanding the government finally release the Ruddock Review.

Dutton's 'papers please' legislation is yet another unecessary attack on fundamental liberties, Greens Justice spokesperson Nick McKim says.

“Peter Dutton is attacking the basic rights of every Australian to distract from the multiple scandals he’s involved in,” Senator McKim said.

"Every time the government needs a distraction, they play the national security card and Labor falls for it every time."

“Dutton has consistently shown that he cannot be trusted with the massive law enforcement powers that are at his disposal.”

The increased use of the Defence Force on Australian streets is deeply concerning, Australian Greens Justice spokesperson Nick McKim says.

“Legislation to make it easier to call out the Defence Force is a worrying and dangerous development,” Senator McKim said.

“Yet again, the Government has introduced major national security legislation without demonstrating the need or making the case as to how it would make Australians safer.”

“This is a serious and fundamental change to domestic policing arrangements, and to the way security forces interact with the public.”