time to draw a breath 

By Adam Bandt, Leader of the Australian Greens and Member for Melbourne 

At this time of year, when the summer holidays draw near, it’s important to draw breath. 

It’s been an incredibly busy year. We’ve had elections, parliamentary debates and international conflict. And through it all, I could not be more proud of this party, the values we share and the principles we seek to uphold. 

We don’t just speak truth to power, we confront it, and try to replace it. We oppose the billionaires trying to buy off politicians and big corporations who are ripping us off. We work for people who are facing crippling rent increases, or can’t afford to see a dentist. 

We work to protect the environment, when no one else does. 

We fight for the climate and for the future of our kids. 

And we work hard at it. 

This term, we’ve managed to put a stop to half the coal and gas projects in the government’s pipeline, we’ve got billions for community and public housing and we enshrined the right to disconnect. 

Now it’s time to exercise that right, to disconnect, reflect and refresh. 

To think about what we’ve achieved, to think creatively, and restore ourselves through the enrichment of our friends, family and the country we live in. 

To all the people in our party who work so hard for our movement, I want to thank you all for the work you’ve put in. Our movement continues to grow because of you. 
 
I wish all of you a special time with those you love. I hope you can get out and spend a day reading a book on a beach, having a picnic in a National Park, or doing something in your community which truly brings you joy. 

Next year’s going to be bigger, and you’re going to need your strength, resilience and to be fully resourced for what lies ahead. 

This summer, while we’re trying to recuperate, we also have to look after one another. This summer is expected to be the hottest on record. Heatwaves can be deadly and we need to check in on the elderly and vulnerable and make sure we’re remaining hydrated. 

We could face fires or floods. We know that summer now is more dangerous. We know that while we’re headed off for a swim, we also need to keep one eye on the emergency warnings. 

But we also need to embrace those around us, to help where it’s needed and to find pleasure, to share food, to love and to grow. 

Because next year, we’re going to face more challenges. We will have a Federal Election in the first half of next year, and we need everyone ready to help us grow our numbers in Parliament so we can keep Dutton out, and push Labor to act on the climate, cost of living and housing crises. 

But for now, thank you for all that you do to protect and build our movement. See you next year.