2015-10-28
In the past 12 months we have seen the Abbott Government decline further into chaos, with Labor trailing not too far behind in their footsteps.
By Senator Sarah Hanson-Young
In the past 12 months we have seen the Abbott Government decline further into chaos, with Labor trailing not too far behind in their footsteps. Although we have seen some changes within our party, with Christine and Penny sadly moving on, and Richard taking on an exciting new role as leader, it is clear that we are the only side of parliament that is moving towards progress and I am proud to be a part of it all.
Tragically, we saw another life lost through our appalling offshore immigration system, as well as the uncovering of systematic abuse of women and children in Nauru. The discovery of this abuse resulted in yet another inquiry, which highlighted disturbing trends of mismanagement by Wilson and Transfield, and showed yet again that this system is guaranteed to cause harm and suffering. Despite all this, our government still remains unmoved by the pain and suffering they are causing with the support of the increasingly conservative Labor Party. In an even new low, we also discovered that the Abbott Government has been paying people smugglers to engage in their dirty business of risking lives at sea.
On marriage equality, whilst Labor finally decided to take a stance on this issue, Abbott halted progress once again by failing to allow a conscience vote, despite the vast majority of Australians now being in favour of marriage equality. Although this was an incredibly disappointing outcome, I was heartened to see individuals from all sides sticking to their guns and standing up for their beliefs on equality.
As I hand over the LGBTI portfolio to Janet Rice, I am excited to have regained the area of Youth and have already begun meeting with some wonderful organisations and individuals who are doing great work with young people in the community.
Whilst I, like many of my constituents, remain horrified by what is easily one of the worst governments in Australian history, I am also optimistic about the future and the direction of the Australian Greens. As our party grows in numbers in the community and in parliament, I am sure things can only go up from here and I am excited for what is yet to come.