Big things grow from little things

We take a look back at some of the highlights and key takeaways from our May National Conference in Brisbane.

By Alex Schlotzer & Rebecca Galdies, National Co-Convenors

The theme for May's Conference was 'From little things big things grow', and the conference couldn't have embodied that theme in more ways.

The program was packed with interesting, topical and relevant issues concerning our world and our party. There was something for the seasoned conference-goers to new members or those who have never attended a national conference before. And it was also great to meet new people and catch up with familiar faces; and see people connecting from around the country.

Conference started out with Uncle Des Sandy giving us a very educational and heartfelt Welcome to Country. He gave us an insight into his people, land and changes over time, and we thank him for his time and generosity.

Tackling the big issues

From the beginning of conference we were reminded of how far we've come as a political movement; that big things grow from little things. In each workshop there were committed and determined delegates and members discussing the issues and exploring ways forward. The energy, passion and enthusiasm for wanting to create a better future for all of us is inspiring. Senator Richard Di Natale's speech pointed to the issues we face and scale of problems at hand, and it reminded us why we joined this movement - to fix a broken system and rigged economy that's harming our environment.

We also had some great panel discussions and workshops. And one of the biggest problems, even for those of us who organised it, was which one would we go to since they were all important and engaging - definitely a good problem to have.

There were panel discussions including one about the Stolenwealth Games protests to outline what they were really about. It was fascinating to hear about it directly rather than through the filter of the media.

It is encouraging to see these issues being openly discussed - frankly and respectfully - in our party. It was a good reminder that we can't shy away from the reality but stand with Indigenous Australia because we acknowledge that Australia's lands and sovereignty were never ceded.

Another great panel discussion covered ageing and ageism in Australia and the crisis in aged care. It was confronting but important to hear that in one of the wealthiest countries on the planet, we are not caring to the best of our ability for older Australians. It was heartbreaking to take in the various insights from the perspectives of the nursing profession, resident, and the Benevolent Society. It was also great to hear all the work that our Greens MPs, and Senator Rachel Siewert in particular, are doing in this space.

Making decisions from the bottom up

There were workshops covering digital rights, conceptualising ecological democracy, universal basic income and housing, the future of work, the NDIS, the election of the parliamentary leader and balance of power. These are big topical issues and gave workshop participants a better understanding of various issues and how they intersect, while having an opportunity to provide their own thoughts and ideas. As usual, though, there's never enough time to explore all the various ideas – but it was inspiring to hear about all the enthusiasm from each of the workshops and panel discussions.

While conference focused on some big issues, it is also a major part of our national decision-making processes with important matters like our national policies being discussed and determined. In the lead up to conference there was a tremendous amount of work done on policies - these were policies not considered at last year's Annual National Conference in November - to reach consensus on a range of issues with a handful of matters resolved over the course of conference. It's one of the greatest aspects of the party that our policies are evidence driven with members' consultation and input.

We also passed proposals giving our support to the Change the Rules campaign, on Western Sahara and West Papua.

Each year our conferences get better and better, with the important issues facing our world and our party being the focus. And this conference was no different with people continuing the discussions they were having well into the evening.

Putting the 'party' back into party

And of course, what kind of conference would it be without some fun? We had a gathering of early conference attendees on Friday at Archive Beer Boutique in the heart of West End in the council area of Wooloongabba, the seat won by the first Greens branded local government councillor, our very own Jonathan Sri.

The Saturday evening social event was hosted by the Queensland Greens and provided the entertaining spectacle of Queensland Greens MP Michael Berkman in one of the most impressive mullet wigs ever, and Senator Janet Rice donning a neon hot pink power jacket with self-made shoulder pads. Can we all just take a moment to pause and thank the fashion gods that the 80s era is well and truly passed?

Finishing off on a high

We'd also like to welcome and congratulate new office bearers elected at this conference to fill casual vacancies: Kristin O'Connell as National Secretary, Daile Kelleher as Deputy National Secretary and Catherine Garner as Deputy National Treasurer; along with the new Policy Co-coordinators, Rosanne Bersten and Sean Mulcahy, and our Council representatives to the Asia Pacific Greens Federation, Rose Read and Bob Hale.

The issues that we tackle as Greens on a daily basis can be draining, and the impact that economically and socially conservative policies have on citizens' lives is no doubt disturbing to those of us that are invested in our four pillars. But after spending the past couple of days with committed, passionate and determined people who want to create a better future for all of us, we're sure this movement will continue to grow, and that together we can change the world for the better.