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.

The Australian Greens are urging everyone, particularly young people, to check that their enrolment details are up-to-date or to quickly get themselves on the roll so they have the choice of voting in a postal plebiscite on marriage equality if one goes ahead, said Australian Greens leader Dr Richard Di Natale and Greens LGBTI Spokesperson Sen. Janet Rice.

As Australians, we pride ourselves on enjoying so many freedoms, yet our laws do not adequately reflect, or protect them. Today the Australian Greens Leader, Dr Richard Di Natale and Attorney General Spokesperson, Senator Nick McKim announced their plan to table, debate and vote on Charter of Rights legislation in this term of parliament.  

Australia is the only western democracy that does not protect the basic rights and freedoms of its people in either legislation or the constitution, said Senator Di Natale.

It is time to dismantle the rigged system that privileges investors and landlords over everybody else, said the Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Richard Di Natale.

“Australia is facing a housing crisis. Everyone needs a home where they can feel secure, live comfortably and be part of the community. But this is becoming increasingly difficult for millions of average Australians.

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.