Additional Comments from the Australian Greens
1.1 The
Australian Greens have concerns about Schedule 1 of the Parliamentary
Service Amendment Bill 2014, noting that it both creates an unnecessary
position on the Security Management Board and formalises operational measures
as part of the Board’s remit.
1.2 Formalising
an AFP position on the Security Management Board – be it the Commissioner or
other representative as listed – is unnecessary. Section 65A of the Parliamentary
Service Act 1999 already permits the Board to invite the heads of other
organisations to attend or be represented at its meetings, and this
discretionary power is sufficient.
1.3 The
expansion of the Board’s remit to include the ‘operation’ of security is also a
concern in light of recent debates about face coverings and the carrying of
firearms within the chambers of Parliament. There has been a move toward
militarisation of our public space, and the Australian Greens are concerned the
changes in this Bill aim to further facilitate this trend.
1.4 The
Australian Greens do not support firearms being carried inside the Parliament,
and view this as a clear divergence from long standing practice in the
Westminster system that no arms are carried in houses of parliament. It
is completely inappropriate for firearms to be held inside the House of
Representatives and the Senate.
1.5 The
Australian Greens believe there should be stronger regulation of firearms,
including a ban on semi-automatic guns. We do not believe it is appropriate to
facilitate the physical presence of weapons, or a cultural perspective that
says guns are needed to protect people in a workplace.
Senator Janet Rice
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