New Matilda published this article on my recent trip to Kashmir and Pakistan. This was their introduction “Australia has an important role to play in protecting the lives of the people in India Administered Kashmir, writes Lee Rhiannon*.” Thousands of eucalyptus trees line the motorway to Islamabad’s International Airport. As I headed home after six … Continue reading Does Australia Have The Courage To Challenge India’s Defiance Over Kashmir?
Strong support to change Lord’s Prayer opening to Senate
Just prior to leaving the Senate I put forward a motion requesting that the Senate Procedure Committee inquire into a proposal to replace the Christian prayer that is read out by the Senate President at the start of each parliamentary sitting day with a statement that invites all Senators to pray or reflect on their … Continue reading Strong support to change Lord’s Prayer opening to Senate
Kashmir – Australia’s involvement
I will visit Occupied Jammu and Kashmir shortly. In preparing for this visit I have been interested to read about Australia’s involvement. The way Britain, the former coloniser of this region, withdrew from the sub-continent in 1948 laid the basis for one of the most ruthless, long lasting and bloody occupations the world has witnessed. … Continue reading Kashmir – Australia’s involvement
Tertiary education – celebrating unionism, call for no fees
Thanks to the NTEU for their invitation to attend their Melbourne forum on “Reflections on 25 years of higher education unionism” and the celebration of NTEU General Secretary Grahame McCulloch extraordinary contribution to unionism, tertiary education and international solidarity. It was a pleasure and honour to join these events. For a few years I held … Continue reading Tertiary education – celebrating unionism, call for no fees
Smash the state – let’s be careful what we wish for
In the 1970s one of the most popular radical slogans was ‘Smash the State’. As the subsequent experience with neoliberalism has taught us, it is wise to be careful what you wish for. Incredible as it must seem now, one of the chief selling points for neoliberalism was its claim to stand for slashing the … Continue reading Smash the state – let’s be careful what we wish for
Hoping Four Corners goes beyond vendettas, ambition and madness
Tonight’s ABC Four Corners program “A form of madness” looks at the end of the Turnbull government. I very much hope it goes beyond talk of personal vendattas, individual ambition and sheer madness, and deals with the role of corporate power and media players. Our country now has a pattern that stretches back over a … Continue reading Hoping Four Corners goes beyond vendettas, ambition and madness
Kashmiris’ right to self determination
Next week I travel to Kashmir to meet with local people and NGOs to learn about the human right abuses and consequences of the ongoing denial of self-determination. Indian novelist Arundhati Roy has described Kashmir as “the most densely militarised zone in the world”. This was in a 2013 interview on Democracy Now. Roy has … Continue reading Kashmiris’ right to self determination
Drought – spare a thought for wildlife
While the Turnbull government hands out billions of dollars to help farmers feed their sheep and cattle spare a thought for our native wildlife. Many species do it very tough in severe droughts. Because of the mistaken belief that kangaroos compete with livestock for feed, this iconic animal found only in Australia is shot at … Continue reading Drought – spare a thought for wildlife
My final Senate speech
I've been very fortunate in my life. Being a senator with the opportunities it presents to work with communities for social justice, genuine democracy and the environment has been a huge privilege. I thank the workers in this building: the cleaners, the grounds people, committee staff, security, IT workers, librarians, COMCAR drivers, catering staff, attendants … Continue reading My final Senate speech
Palestine burns while Australia cuts aid and Trump threatens ‘Deal of the Century’
It is said to be days away – the grand unveiling of Trump’s plan for peace between Palestinians and the Israelis. Confident of a free hand under the Trump administration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already begun to increase Israel’s hold over Jerusalem, the West Bank and the besieged Gaza strip. His hubris, and … Continue reading Palestine burns while Australia cuts aid and Trump threatens ‘Deal of the Century’
