It’s terrific that we have passionate Greens members who are keen to put their hand up and participate in our democratic party processes. The wonderful thing about our party is that any and every member has the opportunity to throw their hat in the ring for preselection and it is our members who vote for our elected representatives. Our members are the heart and soul of our party.

I will be seeking their support to recontest the Senate race and represent them at the next election.

"It is very concerning that Nick Xenophon's cave-in on company tax cuts includes opening up the possibility of a gas pipeline in the Northern Territory”, Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said today.

“Such a pipeline from the Northern Territory to Queensland would create a wave of dirty, dangerous fracking in the Territory. This gas would be piped straight to Gladstone and exported. 

“Traditional owners in the Territory have stood up to defend their country from fracking.  Does the government intend to disregard their wishes and open the way to fracking?

The legislation announced by the Government today will take money out of the pockets of average Australians who rely on a decent social safety net, said Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.

“This grubby little deal between the Government, One Nation and Nick Xenophon’s senators will strip nearly $2 billion from the people who need it the most.

Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert has welcomed the decision by Justice Judith Kelly to award damages to four teenagers who were tear-gassed at Don Dale Youth Detention Centre in 2014.

“Those that saw the footage of the young boys being teared gassed in Don Dale in a squalid enclosed space were justifiably outraged. 

“As the Royal Commission continues to unveil ongoing and disturbing mistreatment of youth detainees in Don Dale, today’s judgement is a small victory.

As the Australian Greens Whip I give a regular insight into what’s happening in Parliament with the top pieces of legislation, amendments, motions, questions, and matters of public importance that the Australian Greens work on each sitting week/fortnight. In a tough 24 hour media cycle, often work done in the run of a sitting fortnight doesn’t make it to the media. The intention of this summary is to keep you informed on the work we do. The first two weeks were packed with exciting work that spans across campaigns and issues.

A Greens motion calling on Cardinal George Pell to return to Australia to assist Victorian police in investigating his alleged criminal conduct has been supported by the Senate.

“The evidence to the Royal Commission on child sex abuse has been harrowing and showed a systemic problem far worse than many could imagine. My thoughts are with the survivors and their families who were brave enough to testify and are now trying to process the evidence that has rocked the nation.

Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert and Greens candidate for East Metro Tim Clifford respond to toxic firefighting chemicals found in WA Airports and defence sites:

Senator Siewert said:

“Dangerous levels of toxic firefighting chemicals PFOS and PFOA found in WA airports and defence sites is an environmental issue, a workplace safety issue, and a public health issue. It must be urgently addressed.

Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert has welcomed news that the Federal Government has announced a national redress for survivors of child abuse in Australia, which will roll out in 2018.

“For far too long survivors of child abuse have called for a National Redress Scheme, which would deliver the compensation they so desperately deserve.