Greens Senator Penny Wright this evening made her inaugural speech, setting out her vision for a “kinder, fairer” Australia that addresses “the growing gulf between those who are doing well and those who are not”.

“I want to see an inclusive Australia – where all people can participate fully and achieve their best,” she said.

“Services such as good quality public transport, housing, health and education allow everyone to share the benefits of living in a community and having their basic needs met.

“A fragmented society of have-lots and have-littles is not healthy for any of us, no matter how privileged we are.”

Senator Wright paid tribute to her family and country roots and also described the need to move away from a “dig it up and sell it” culture to a clean economy.

She also highlighted the need for continued funding for the ABC.

“I believe that an independent, quality, public broadcaster – free from commercial influence – is essential for the survival of our own quintessentially Australian culture and to provide the reliable, accurate information which is the currency of democracy,” she said.

The full transcript of Senator Wright’s speech is available on this website.

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