Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

The topic is very clear: any senator in this chamber has the right to nominate for the presidency of the Senate. You have brought disrepute onto the position of the President of the Senate by the way you've handled Senator Parry's departure. Senator Parry made it clear: he passed on the information about his potential position in relation to his citizenship, and he was forced to resign only a few weeks ago.

I would ask that the Senate consider restoring respect to the position of President of the Senate—and not reward the behaviour and the chaos and the lack of integrity of this government—by giving the position to the Greens, the only party that has shown integrity throughout this process. We didn't think of ourselves or our political party. We thought about doing the right thing for Australia. We wanted confidence in the institution of parliament and in the role that we were elected to perform. I think it's very clear, based on what has happened in recent months, that the Australian people have lost respect and confidence in the institution of parliament. I ask that you take one step this morning to restoring that respect by voting the Greens into the position of President of the Senate.

The Clerk: Unless any other senator wishes to address the nominations, a ballot will now be held. Senator Di Natale.