Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate supports the right of people to engage in non-violent civil disobedience to demand action on the unfolding climate and environment crisis.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) | Link to this | Hansard source

The government supports the right to lawful peaceful protest. However, non-violent civil disobedience goes far beyond mere protest. It may include refusing to pay income tax or child support, rejecting road rules, failing to adhere to planning regulations or the obstructing of industry transport and business activities in a way that creates health and safety risks. The government cannot endorse the deliberate refusal to follow rules put in place for the wellbeing and protection of the Australian community at large.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) | Link to this | Hansard source

The opposition proposed an amendment to Senator Di Natale's motion, to omit the words 'non-violent civil disobedience' and substitute in the words 'peaceful assembly'. The phrase 'peaceful assembly' is identical to that used in article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 21 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Unfortunately, we were not able to reach agreement with Senator Di Natale on the opposition's proposal. But I would say that we've been on the record for more than 14 years arguing for effective action on climate change. We're up for that debate any time, and we would look forward to supporting motions that are delivered in a collaborative way that draw the attention and the support of the Senate to demand action on the unfolding climate and environmental crisis.

Malcolm Roberts (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Malcolm Roberts (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

This is nine days and counting. One Nation opposes this motion for the simple reason that there is no evidence to back up the claim of the Greens. Monday week ago, yesterday a week ago, I challenged the Greens to provide their evidence that we are affecting the climate and they have not responded yet. I challenge them to debate me anywhere, any time on the science and the corruption of science. Three times I've challenged Senator Waters and she has failed every time. I challenged Senator Di Natale last week. They won't front up. The only thing they could come up with was the stunt yesterday in which they smeared people who disagreed with them. That is why we oppose this. There is no substance to their claims, none whatsoever.

Scott Ryan (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is the motion moved by Senator Di Natale be agreed to.