Australian Greens Senator and national security spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on the Attorney General Nicola Roxon to put on hold her plans to expand the powers of Australia's intelligence and instead initiate the COAG review of federal and state counter terrorism laws that is now almost a year overdue ("Super warrants proposed as expansion of security powers", p 4 SMH today).

Lee Rhiannon spoke to 2UE's David Oldfield about the establishment of a US base in Australia and the arrival of US Marines in Darwin.

Greens Senator and democracy spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on incoming foreign minister Mr Bob Carr to publicly disclose which clients he has worked as a lobbyist for in the last five years and absent himself from Cabinet decision making which benefits these clients for five years after taking office (“Carr to sever corporate ties”, Financial Review, p 6 today).

Adjournment speech, Tuesday 28 February 2012

Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee

Estimates hearings, 16 February 2012

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Blog post by Senator Lee Rhiannon

After a two week stretch in parliament I’m always keen to taste the reality of normal life. Catching up with family and friends is always a top priority, along with a bit of shopping and attending various local events.

Politics is never too far away as understandably those I meet are interested in how the Greens view the latest news out of Canberra. The changing of the guard in the Speaker’s chair and the Mining Tax have evoked some interest. But the big issue has been the visit of the US President Barack Obama.

Lee was on ABC TV 24's Capital Hill with Liberal MP Josh Frydenberg discussing President Barack Obama’s visit, speech to parliament and policy announcements on a future US military presence in Australia. You can watch it here.

Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee

Estimates hearings, 20 October 2011

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade