In 2019, the Greens’ purpose has never been clearer. We are the only party campaigning for genuine action on our climate emergency – and standing against the government’s cruel brand of division and hatred.
By Senator Richard Di Natale
What a year we’ve had. It feels incredible to consider that the election was just six months ago. It’s been a very busy year for Greens members and supporters, with plenty of action in Parliament, strong campaigning by the community and lots of people taking action where government has failed.
Looking back at the incredible peak of optimism and excitement on May 18, I can understand how some people feel deflated at the re-election of the cruel Morrison government and the abandonment by the Labor party of their progressive values. However, in this difficult time the Greens’ purpose has never been clearer.
We must continue to be the party that proudly stands up for all Australians, regardless of their postcode, income, or background. We must be strong advocates for a higher standard of democracy, free from the corrupting influence of lobbyists and corporate donations. And, of course, we are the party that stands up for genuine action on climate change, and the tens of thousands of jobs that will create across the community.
We’ve been living those values in the parliament and in the community. This year, we’ve passed a Senate bill outlining our plan for a Federal ICAC, secured a Royal Commission into the Disability Sector, moved Australia’s first Climate Emergency Declaration in Parliament, and much, much more.
It’s been a busy year, albeit challenging considering the re-election of the Morrison Government, but there's much to be proud of and even more to look forward to.
An incredible, hard fought campaign
Election day was clearly the high point of the past twelve months – the culmination of months of work from countless volunteers, members, and office bearers. More than 20,000 volunteers knocked on 218,000 doors, made more than 127,000 successful phone calls, and had 14,000 people talking with the community at polling booths across the country. This is an awesome effort. The old parties may be held afloat by massive donations from the banking and fossil fuel industries – but our movement is proudly people powered.
Through wind, rain, and baking sun, the thousands of volunteers proudly outlined the Greens vision for Australia – one that embraces our renewable energy future and the myriad of jobs that come with it. A future that makes sure we can access the essential services needed to live a good life, paid for by the big end of town paying a fair share. A vision that ensures our government looks after our environment, and doesn’t sell off our natural assets to the highest bidder. This bold vision was outlined in meticulous detail in the most comprehensive policy platform we have ever produced, fully costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office (which itself is another Greens win).
All this groundwork made a tremendous difference. Despite the mainstream media warning of a ‘Greens wipe out’, all of our Senators not only returned victorious – but increased their margins, while the major parties went backwards. Adam Bandt again won the support of Melbourne’s community with a primary vote of 49.3%, the highest Greens vote ever. It goes to show: Greens MPs get results for their communities, and voters can see it.
Community’s voice in Parliament
With all of our Senators returned, the first day back in Parliament was a very welcome reunion. Sadly, this warm glow wasn’t going to last for long – with Anthony Albanese failing his first real test as opposition leader.
Labor caved in, voting with the government to pass a massive giant tax bribe this country can’t afford. The $95 billion tax break to the country’s wealthiest people creates a revenue hole in the funds needed to fund our schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, while taking us in the direction of Donald Trump’s dog-eat-dog America.
This was just the start of several disappointing votes, where Liberals and Labor worked together to further the Coalition’s cruel agenda, supporting jail terms for protesters, giving rich private schools a massive slush fund, and passing laws to block Australian citizens from re-entering the country.
We know that Labor is always weak under pressure. However, this continuous capitulation is new.
The Greens are now the real opposition within parliament – and we are proud to be the strongest voices pushing back against the Coalition’s cruel and unfair agenda.
Since then, we’ve been busy. We have successfully passed a bill for a Federal Commission against Corruption in the Senate, putting pressure on the government to accept a watchdog with real teeth. Reminiscent of the Medevac law passed by Greens, the Crossbench and Labor earlier this year, Larissa Waters successfully brought together the Senate Crossbench and Labor, allowing the bill to pass in a major embarrassment for the government.
Morrison’s razor thin majority has left him hiding from Parliament – so we’ve been taking to the streets instead. I joined Greens MPs from across the country at the September 20 climate strikes, proudly marching along 300,000 other Australians to demand our Government quit fossil fuels, move to 100% renewables by 2030, and start a just transition to help coal communities.
This was incredibly reinvigorating. It shows the community is absolutely by our side, and lends strength to our arm in our push to get Parliament to declare a climate emergency.
These things don’t happen overnight, but we’re almost there. Our first House vote to declare a climate emergency just needed three members of the government to reject climate denial and cross the floor, and a vote in the Senate only needed one more. It’s that close.
Looking ahead to 2020
I’m excited.
With a government that’s running out of excuses for inaction, and a Labor party that’s nowhere to be seen - the Greens are in the driver’s seat to be leading our path to a 100% renewable future.
Climate strikes have shown the community on board, and week on week, they’re only picking up momentum. From just one young girl in Stockholm a year ago to millions of strikers now – it’s incredible to imagine where we’ll be in a year.
Over the next year, we have plenty of opportunities to make Greens gains and continue to make change in parliaments across the country. In the Northern Territory next August, and Queensland in October – we’re looking to run energetic and positive campaigns that highlight the incredible opportunity of transitioning to a clean energy future.
This is what the community wants, and it’s what we’re offering. Over the next year, we’ll be tirelessly travelling across the country to build our movement, particularly in regional areas that currently rely upon ever-shrinking fossil fuel jobs.
The Greens are the only voice talking to these communities about how we can offer long-term job security, offering workers jobs that are meaningful and long-term, once the coal, oil and gas industry closes. This is the vital counterpart to winding up the fossil fuel industry – we need to ensure that workers are looked after, and that our economy becomes environmentally and socially sustainable.
I’m looking forward to the opportunities this presents – and trust me when I say – there’s a lot more in store.
This will be the Greens’ year, and I can’t want to stand alongside you as we build the movement that Australia and the planet needs.