Statement on non-violent protest

2017-01-19

As an individual and a proud Australian Greens member, I am deeply committed to the principle of non-violence. It is a founding and core pillar of our party, one that every Greens member pledges to uphold. I do not support burning the Australian flag and condemn the use of violence to achieve any means; it’s in the DNA of our party and it always will be.

Left Renewal is a tiny splinter group and as stated by our co-conveners do not speak on behalf of the Australian Greens. 

I believe this small group of individuals are undermining the important national conversation about how we celebrate our wonderfully diverse nation, including moving the date of our national day. 

We deserve a celebration that is not marred by a bloody history, so that all of us, including our First Peoples, can enjoy everything that makes us proud to be Australian.