The Australian Greens are proud to have reformed the Senate voting system to allow voters to choose their own preferences above the line, and not have to number every box below the line on their ballot papers.

"We have made history this afternoon. We have taken power away from back room operators and given it to voters," said Greens Leader Richard Di Natale.

"Standing on the shoulders of Bob Brown and Christine Milne, and with the support of so many people around the country, we're proud to finally deliver this long overdue reform.

Comment from Australian Greens' spokesperson for legal affairs Senator Penny Wright on news the Abbott Government will adopt the recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security on the Foreign Fighters bill:

"The recommendations of the Liberal-Labor committee are not enough to save this from being a very bad bill that will trample on long-held civil liberties and democratic rights.

The Australian Greens are calling on the Chinese Government to respect the calls from tens of thousands of protestors in Hong Kong who are campaigning for democracy and universal suffrage.

"The right to peaceful protest is a hallmark of democracy, as is the right of people to nominate for election. A free vote is not truly free when there are only vetted candidates to choose from," said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"The people of Hong Kong aspire to a healthy and prosperous future based on their commitment to democracy.

On behalf of all Australian Greens Senators who had the pleasure of working with Harry Evans during his time as Clerk of the Senate, I wish to express my sincere condolences to his family.

Harry was a fierce defender of the Senate. He was an outstanding advocate for democracy and democratic principles, and with a keen understanding of constitutional history he was not afraid to call out the excesses of executive power.

The Australian Greens will today vote against federal legislation backing up Campbell Newman's draconian G20 laws, Senator Penny Wright and Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt MP have announced.

Senator Wright, Australian Greens spokesperson for Legal Affairs, said the Queensland laws were a gross breach of human rights.

"Campbell Newman's G20 laws take away basic freedoms for thousands of Brisbane residents - even allowing people to be excluded from their own homes or businesses," Senator Wright said.

Media Release
13 February 2014

Greens democracy spokesperson Senator Rhiannon will propose legislation to enshrine the ministerial code of conduct and lobbyist code of conduct in law in response to the latest scandal involving Senator Nash and her staff.

Senator Rhiannon said: "There is an urgent need for transparency of MPs interactions with lobbyists. This incident with Senator Nash and her Chief of Staff is just one of many examples.

MEDIA COMMENT
3 February 2014

Mining companies increase donation to Coalition by 60% in election year.

Greens democracy spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said:
"The Australian Electoral Commission for 2012/2013 shows that donations from mining/resources companies to the federal Coalition increased by 60 per cent in the lead up to the federal election.