Senator RHIANNON  (New South Wales) (21:34): Bondi Pavilion is one of the nation's jewels. Recognised in 2008 by the Australian government as having 'exceptional' cultural significance, the National Estate listing identified Bondi as 'one of Australia's most treasured places' and 'one of the world's most famous beaches where Australians meet nature's challenge in the surf'. Bondi Pavilion is a central part of the Bondi experience. However, this stunning cultural and beachside centre faces a precarious future.

Senator RHIANNON (  New South Wales ) ( 18:19 ): by leave—I present to the Senate a petition relating to live animal exports from the port of Townsville, from 2,676 citizens, which is not in conformity with standing orders. 

Senator RHIANNON  (New South Wales) (12:12): The Governor-General's speech on behalf of the Turnbull government failed on many counts. It failed on one of the most critical issues that this government should be grappling with: how we protect our democracy. The word democracy did not actually appear in the speech at all. There was a vague mention of democracies in general but not Australian democracy and the urgent reforms that are needed.  

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (19:38): In recent days political donation scandals have dominated the media and at times debate in this place. It is thanks to the New South Wales corruption watchdog, ICAC, and also to the bill pay system that Senator Dastyari uses that has turned the spotlight on the corrupting influence of political donations.

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At the end of July Bob Brown, former parliamentary leader of the Australian Greens,  appeared on the ABC's 7.30 and called on me to step down as a Senator for NSW. Brown said the Greens “did very well nationally” in the recent federal election while speaking of his “long-term disappointment” with the Greens NSW results. 

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New research by the Greens Democracy4Sale Project reveals that the motorway lobby has donated more than $13 million to the Liberal, National and Labor parties over 15 years.

CMIC, also known as Leightons, was the second biggest donor of the companies analysed handing over more than $3.3 million to the major parties.

Leightons is part of a consortium of companies that have won more than $8 billion worth of contracts from the NSW Government across the first two stages of the WestConnex project.

Today Senator Lee Rhiannon and Greens candidate for Wentworth Dejay Toborek launched the Greens arts policy initiative for NSW at the historic Bondi Pavilion. They were joined by Peter O'Doherty, musician with Australian band Dog Trumpet who is supporting the Greens initiative.

"The Greens have a plan not only to reverse the Coalition's deep cuts to the arts sector, but to invest a further $270.2 million over the next four years," said Senator Rhiannon.