We are facing unprecedented challenges of climate emergency, biodiversity crisis and rampant wealth inequality – but we are absolutely up for the fight.
By Senator Nick McKim
What a year!
A strong election result for the Greens in Tasmania and nationally was tempered by the completely depressing re-election of a LNP government. We are facing unprecedented challenges of climate emergency, biodiversity crisis and rampant wealth inequality, but we are absolutely up for the fight.
Justice
The major parties continue to vote in lockstep to undermine fundamental rights and freedoms under the guise of ‘national security’.
But their collusion has now extended to the passage through the federal parliament of radical Ag-Gag laws which criminalise the use of electronic communication to organise or encourage peaceful and non-violent trespass.
State governments around the country are passing anti-protest laws in a coordinated and draconian attack on civil society. This will pitch them against more and more of our community as resistance to the climate and extinction crises continues to grow.
While the major parties do all they can to stifle dissent and insulate the companies most responsible from the consequences of their actions, we Greens will continue to resist, and push for a Charter of Rights to enshrine our fundamental freedoms in law.
Manus Island
The election result was a cruel blow to refugees still exiled on Manus Island and Nauru after six long years. Many had pinned their hopes on New Zealand’s kind offer to accept 150 people each year, and the LNP’s win resulted in a wave of despair that saw a massive spike in self harm.
I briefly visited my friends on Manus in July, only to be deported by the Papua New Guinean authorities. Conditions on Manus were worse than they have ever been, which is really saying something.
Most of the guys who were detained on Manus for six long tears have now been relocated to Port Moresby, but this has not resolved any of the underlying problems. Over 50 of the men have been imprisoned in Bomana Prison with no contact with the outside world, including some who have been accepted for transfer to Australia for treatment under the Medevac laws that were sponsored by the Greens.
Those laws have saved lives, with a number of people flown to Australia to receive proper medical care. But the Senate is now considering repeal legislation, which would place decisions about medical treatment for desperately sick people back in the hands of Peter Dutton. Again, we will resist, and continue our work until every single detained person is given the freedom and safety they need and deserve.
Tasmania
Our strong election showing in Tasmania was heartening and a reward for hard work and good planning.
We ran our biggest and most involved federal campaign ever, and the resultant swing clearly showed that we are on our way back.
There is an encouraging groundswell of support for climate action, protecting carbon-rich forests, and respecting nature. We will continue to fight for a cleaner, greener, fairer future for all.