Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (15:57): I seek leave to make a short statement.

The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute.

Senator RHIANNON: This motion misleads the Senate and should be withdrawn. The Australian Veterinary Association and the Australian Cattle Veterinarians group have distanced themselves from suggestions that they support the live export industry. They have stated in their media release:

Lee successfully moves that documents be tabled concerning WestConnex traffic modelling, construction costs, and air pollution forecasts. 

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (15:46): I move:

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (18:24): I rise to speak on the Biosecurity Bill 2014 and four separate but related bills. My colleague senator Rachel Siewert has set out in a detailed way why this bill does need to be supported but it needs to be strengthened to gain that support. The majority committee report has a number of very useful recommendations regarding the bill, and the Greens amendments detail why we need to protect our environment, our industry and our economy. Biosecurity issues go to the very fabric of society. They are just so important.

Tonight the Australian Senate again voted down the Abbott government's higher education Bill.

The Bill was defeated by 34 votes to 30 votes. Green and Labor Senators were joined by Senators Lambie, Muir, Lazarus, Wang, and Xenophon to defeat the Bill.

The Australian Greens have congratulated the tens of thousands of students, families, teachers, parents and unions that took a stand against the Abbott government’s war against public universities.

The Australian Senate has unanimously passed a Greens motion supporting the Solar Energy eXchange Initiative in western New South Wales. 

“Western NSW is the ideal place to harness the power of the sun to benefit local residents, the economy and the environment,” said Greens Senator for NSW Lee Rhiannon.

Commenting on the news that Racing Queensland has stood down another 23 greyhound trainers in the wake of the live baiting scandal last month, Greens Animal Welfare Spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said:

“The dismissal of another 23 trainers exposes the degree of animal abuse and the crisis that is gripping the greyhound industry.

“This comes after 13 Queensland greyhound trainers were stood down following a Four Corners program last month which showed footage of live baiting at Tom Noble’s unregistered training property in Churchable about 55km west of Brisbane.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (15:56): I move:

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (20:02): The New South Wales Liberal and National parties line up with the Abbott government as environmental vandals. Premier Mike Baird and the coalition government are creating a legacy of environmental destruction and climate change inaction. New South Wales suffered under the previous state Labor government when it came to prioritising developers over local communities, which was one of their favourite activities. The coalition, however, are no better and in some areas worse.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (12:55): The Greens oppose the Higher Education and Research Reform Bill 2014. What a saga Minister Pyne has inflicted on the people of Australia! For months, students, prospective students and their families have been living with uncertainty about their university prospects. Will they be able to afford to go? What is going to happen with the way our universities are managed?

Commenting on Education Minister Christopher Pyne’s decision to split his higher education Bill, Greens higher education spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said:

“Christopher Pyne’s announcement is the latest desperate manoeuvre from a desperate government. Having lost several key votes in the Senate, the government’s plan to split the Bill is a last-ditch attempt to save face by avoiding a negative vote.

“Mr Pyne’s plan for $100,000 degrees and massive cuts to universities has not changed.