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.

The Australian Greens said today claims that the deadline for a referendum on constitutional recognition had shifted were misleading.

"The Expert Panel did not set a timeline for holding a referendum but neither did they recommend a delay," said Senator Rachel Siewert, spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues, and a Panel member.

"We should build on the momentum generated by the Expert Panel process and develop a timeline for a referendum.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown, Senator for Queensland Larissa Waters, Senators for Western Australia Rachel Siewert and Scott Ludlam, and Member for Melbourne Adam Bandt spoke to the media about the Australian Greens National Conference in Fremantle, WA.

Topics included the allocation of preferences, the environmental threats posed by developments in the Kimberley, and the Nationals' call for a "discussion paper" on coal seam gas. 

The Australian Greens are recommending the development of a national standard for redress schemes for those adversely affected by past government policies and practices.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson for Community Services says a national scheme would offer a universal, consistent and equitable support for those seeking compensation or redress from Australian Governments.

The Senate has supported an Australian Greens motion for the Community Affairs Reference Committee to examine the Commonwealth Government’s role in forced adoption polices from the late 1940s to the 1980s.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens spokesperson for Community Services says the Committee’s inquiry is an important step in addressing the issue of forced adoption and comes in the wake of the WA Parliament’s formal apology to those affected by the policies.

Senator SIEWERT (Western Australia) (10.55 am)—I move:

The Greens are extremely concerned by revelations that international tobacco companies spent $5 million on advertising during the recent federal election.

"International tobacco companies (Phillip Morris, British American Tobacco Australia and Imperial Tobacco) used a front organisation - the Alliance of Australian Retailers - in an attempt to prevent the introduction of plain packaging laws, which are supported by the ALP and Greens," said Greens health spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"We believe these matters need to be referred to the ACCC immediately."

A referendum on the recognition of Australia's first nations in the Australian Constitution will happen within the next three years or at the next federal election if the ALP forms Government – thanks to an agreement negotiated by the Australian Greens.

"I'm very excited that we have taken this significant step towards the proper recognition of Indigenous Australians in our constitution," said Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal Issues today.

The Australian Greens and the Labor Party have signed an agreement to ensure stability for Labor in Government. The Greens will ensure supply and oppose any motion of no confidence in the Government from other parties or MPs.

Labor will work with the Greens to deliver improved transparency and integrity to Parliament and pursue policies that promote the national interest and address climate change.

As part of the agreement there will be regular meetings between the Prime Minister and Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown and newly-elected Lower House MP Adam Bandt.