Unseemly Politics
By Greens Human Rights Spokesperson
Sarah Hanson-Young
Last week was a low point in our nation's politics.
On one hand, we had the opposition quibbling over the cost of funerals for the victims of the Christmas Island boat tragedy. On the other, we had the government stubbornly refusing to relocate the survivors to the mainland, citing bureaucratic process over common sense and compassion.
Caught in the middle were those vulnerable people who came to our country seeking our protection and support.
Time For Community To Have Voice Heard On Marriage Equality
On Thursday the 18th of November, in a historic step towards marriage equality, the Greens Member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt won support of the Lower House for his motion calling on Members of Parliament to consult with their constituents around marriage equality. This is the first time a house of the Australian Parliament has acknowledged this kind of discrimination against same-sex couples and provides an important opportunity for the community to have its voice heard.
Greens Welcome Lifting of Suspension
The Greens Immigration Spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has welcomed the announcement by the Government of the lifting of the suspension of processing asylum claims from Afghans.
"The Greens have consistently opposed the suspension - both relating to claims from Afghans and Sri Lankans - in the knowledge that it would have no practical effect other than to increase the backlog of cases within the system and magnify the anxiety, frustration and trauma within Australian detention facilities. Yesterday my motion calling for the lifting of the suspension was passed by the Senate," said Senator Hanson-Young.
Senator Hanson-Young said the announcement, while welcome, is just the first step to reforming what is a failing immigration detention system.
Advocating for LGBTI Australians
The Australian Greens are the only party that is committed to fight for true equality for LGBTI Australians.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Australians confront complex and diverse issues.
Greens support equality on marriage rallies
Greens Senators and candidates joined thousands of people across Australia to call for equality on the right to get married for same-sex couples.
Currently both Labor and Liberal descriminate against same-sex couples explcitily denying them the right to get married under the Marriage Act.
Speaking at the Equal Love rally in Sydney, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said, "the Greens will re-introduce our Marriage Equality Bill in the new Parliament, and we will work with whoever forms the next Government to get a conscience vote on this legislation to remove discrimination against same-sex couples".
Polls show that 60 per cent of Australians believe in the right of all Australians to marry the one they love, regardless of sexuality.
No NT nuclear waste dump
The Federal Government announced it will repeal the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act. But it has left Muckaty Station outside Tenant Creek in the NT as the most likely target for the national radioactive waste dump.
The repeal legislation is, if anything, more coercive than the bill it replaces.
Israel must end blackout on deadly raid
The deadly raid on the aid convoy to Gaza is shocking and Israel, along with convoy members, will be judged in the court of world opinion, Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.
"Australia should require an immediate explanation of the deadly intervention," said Senator Brown.
"It should demand detail of the safety of Australians, including Fairfax journalist Paul McGeough, and photographer Kate Geraghty.
"The Israeli censors' blockade of information is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by a world seeking reason in this ugly episode."
Abbott and Rudd obsessed with Howard's refugee policies
Tony Abbott's new refugee policies will do nothing to deter asylum-seekers from coming to Australia and will instead further punish vulnerable people, according to the Australian Greens.
"Tony Abbott certainly wouldn't be putting his pledge to keep the boats away in writing - because it's not true. Despite lots of bluster, all Mr Abbott will achieve with these new policies is to compound the suffering of desperate people and put the lives of women and children at further risk," said the Greens' Immigration Spokesperson, Senator Hanson-Young
"The only way to reduce the numbers of asylum-seekers is to address the root causes of conflict and misery abroad. As tough as Mr Abbott's talk is, he's no match for the Taliban. As long as there are people being persecuted and tortured, there will always be people fleeing their home countries for protection. Any of us in that situation would do the same to protect our own families."
Abbott and Rudd obsessed with Howard's refugee policies
Tony Abbott's new refugee policies will do nothing to deter asylum-seekers from coming to Australia and will instead further punish vulnerable people, according to the Australian Greens.
"Tony Abbott certainly wouldn't be putting his pledge to keep the boats away in writing - because it's not true. Despite lots of bluster, all Mr Abbott will achieve with these new policies is to compound the suffering of desperate people and put the lives of women and children at further risk," said the Greens' Immigration Spokesperson, Senator Hanson-Young
"The only way to reduce the numbers of asylum-seekers is to address the root causes of conflict and misery abroad. As tough as Mr Abbott's talk is, he's no match for the Taliban. As long as there are people being persecuted and tortured, there will always be people fleeing their home countries for protection. Any of us in that situation would do the same to protect our own families."