Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (11:52): I congratulate Senator Janet Rice on taking over the transport portfolio, and I look forward to working with her in this area. She has set out the Greens' very clear case on the Land Transport Infrastructure Amendment Bill. I reiterate the Greens' support for Roads to Recovery and black spot funding to improve safety and access on our roads. Some of my work in the portfolio of local government crosses over into this area.

Commenting on the budget freeze to the indexation of Financial Assistance Grants for local government Australian Greens spokesperson for local government Senator Lee Rhiannon said:

"Treasurer Joe Hockey's $1 billion budget cut to local government is an assault on the important work of councils and shires across the country that are on the frontline of providing essential services and maintaining and building infrastructure.

"This decision pushes the brutal Abbott budget onto local communities and their councils.

The Australian Greens said that as we mark 113 years of the Australian Constitution today it is important to acknowledge the need to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Local Government are finally recognised in our Constitution.

While welcoming the final passing of the laws to set up the Referendum for constitutional recognition of local government, Greens local government spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon has accused the Coalition of running a spoiler campaign to undermine the chances of the Referendum passing.

"Last night's split in the Coalition vote shows that Abbott is a wolf in sheep's clothing on the Referendum for constitutional recognition of local government," Senator Rhiannon said.

Senator Rhiannon spoke to members of the media at the Senate doors on Wednesday 19 June 2013 about freedom of information legislation and the upcoming referendum on recognition of local government.

Senator Rhiannon spoke to members of the media at the Senate doors on Wednesday 19 June 2013 about freedom of information legislation and the upcoming referendum on recognition of local government.

Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013, Second Reading, Wednesday 19 June 2013

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman's quibbling over the wording of the referendum to recognise local government in the Constitution is a setback for the 'Yes' campaign, says Australian Greens local government spokesperson Lee Rhiannon.

"While the Coalition has supported legislation behind the referendum there is a growing undercurrent which suggests that key Liberal MPs are working to destabilise the campaign," Senator Rhiannon said.

Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Amendment Bill 2013, Wednesday 15 May 2013

With a parliamentary inquiry report recommending a referendum to recognise local government in the constitution at the September election, Australian Greens local government spokesperson and committee member Senator Lee Rhiannon has called on the Gillard government to introduce required legislation soon after parliament resumes next week.