The Australian Greens Leader, Senator Christine Milne, moves a Senate motion calling on the government to support legislation that enables the Parliament to decide when Australian troops are deployed overseas.

Greens Leader Christine Milne says Labor must stay strong and force the Abbott government to back down on cuts to the Renewable Energy Target, the way it is being forced to back down on cuts to universities and Medicare.

"The RET is not broken; the old model of energy generation is broken, but the Liberals are intent on propping it up as long as possible," said Senator Milne.

"Australia's energy future is in renewables, and so are the jobs. If Labor helps the Liberals with this, they'll be destroying jobs and one of the last climate policies standing.

1998
Senator Bob Brown moved amendments to the 'Made in Australia' legislation, and not one Labor or Coalition Senator supported move to make 'Made in Australia' labelling mean just that - 100% made in Australia.

August 2005
Senator Bob Brown introduced food labelling legislation to require all packaged and unpackaged food placed on the market in Australia must have a label identifying its country of origin

September 2005
Coalition and Labor oppose the Greens' Truth in Labelling Bill in the Senate

Greens Leader Christine Milne has welcomed Australia's commitment of $5 million in aid and medical personnel for the island nation of Vanuatu in the wake of Cyclone Pam, but says regional disasters will get worse if more is not done to reduce the pollution that is causing global warming.

"Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu and all those impacted by the ferocity of Cyclone Pam. I know that all Australians' hearts go out to all the victims, their families and those who have lost their homes and livelihoods," Senator Milne said.

Greens Leader Christine Milne has welcomed extra federal funding for Tasmanian freight subsidies, but says overall the Abbott government is leaving the state worse off.

"Mr Abbott, we welcome some help with the Freight Equalisation Scheme, but we recognise that you've taken more from Tasmania than you're giving back," Senator Milne said.

"Last year Mr Abbott's government cut back the level of subsidy going to the Freight Equalisation Scheme, so they're making up for what they took out, but at the same time they're attacking health and education services in Tasmania.

The realities of global warming are pushing the world to abandon fossil fuels and take up renewable energy at an ever increasing rate.

Tasmania's investment in renewable energy and our as yet untapped solar and geothermal resources, place us in a prime position to flourish this century.

We need to capitalise on these natural advantages to attract energy users to the state who want the clean brand. These businesses can help us drive Tasmania's new, clean economy.

What we don't need is gas and oil fracking.