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.

“The government is defying the will of the senate by blocking terminally ill patients from accessing the medicinal cannabis prescribed by a doctor”, Leader of the Australian Greens, Dr Di Natale said today.

“Ignorance and conservative ideology are getting in the way of patient care - it has to stop. Today I am introducing a Private Senators Bill – Medicinal Cannabis Legislation Amendment (Securing Patient Access) Bill 2017 – to the Senate that will secure terminally ill patient access to medicinal cannabis.

Amendment to General Business Notice of Motion No. 447. As listed on pages 7-8 of today’s Notice Paper in the name of Senator Di Natale

To move—That the Senate acknowledges the proposal below for a code of conduct:

PARLIAMENTARY CODE FOR RESPECTING CULTURAL DIVERSITY

PREAMBLE

The House of Representatives and the Senate have reached agreement on a Code of Conduct which is to apply to all members of Parliament.

“Australia has never undertaken a serious national discussion that would enable us - and our governments - to acknowledge the history of what has happened and its contemporary consequences.
 
“This is a conversation we need to have - it’s long past time. It is about recognising the reality of our history and ensuring it is not ignored or airbrushed over.
 

After months of community consultation, a Senate Inquiry into Strengthening Multiculturalism, has made 13 strong recommendations that will lead to a more inclusive Australia, says the Committee’s Chair, Australian Greens Leader Dr Richard Di Natale.

“Australia is a proud multicultural nation. It’s a huge part of our history and it is what makes our nation great. At a time when hateful and divisive rhetoric is rising amongst some political leaders both here and abroad, these recommendations are more important than ever, said Di Natale.

The Australian Greens are going to haul each and every one of the Northern Australian Investment Facility's directors before the Senate committee until the rampant conflicts of interests surrounding their board are resolved, Greens leader Dr Richard Di Natale said.

"We can’t spend $5 billion of taxpayers money without having complete assurance that everything is above board and today’s hearing shows that the board has advanced the Adani project against their own investment rules," Di Natale said.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s decision to commit Australian troops to a possible war against North Korea puts Australia at risk and shows why Parliament needs to urgently pass a war powers act and renegotiate the alliance with the United States, said leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale and Greens Defence Spokesperson Sen. Peter Whish-Wilson.