The Greens have written to the President of the Senate opposing armed guards being stationed inside both chambers of Parliament.

"More guns don't make people safer," Greens Leader Christine Milne said.

"Australians don't want militarisation of our public spaces, which includes Parliament.

"The Greens do not support firearms being carried anywhere inside the building.

"It has been a long-standing practise in the Westminster system that no arms are to be carried in the Parliament."

I move that the Senate:

1.       thanks those who fought to protect homes, properties and wildlife during the devastating Sampson Flat bushfires in South Australia during January 2015; 

2.       recognises the outstanding contribution of South Australia's Country Fire Service personnel in keeping residents safe and bringing the fire under control in challenging conditions;

3.       commiserates with those who lost their homes, properties and pets as a result of the fire;

The Australian Greens have called on the government to increase the powers of the newly appointed Independent National Security Legislation Monitor.

Australian Greens spokesperson for legal affairs Senator Penny Wright said the Monitor needed greater funding and scrutiny powers to oversee the Abbott Government's massively expanded national security framework.

"The announcement of the new Monitor is long overdue and very welcome - but we now need to boost the position's powers to make sure it's more than a toothless tiger," Senator Wright said.

I am pleased to rise and speak to this important bill, which I have introduced with the aim of preserving and enhancing the crucial role of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM).

In a world characterised by unrest and fragile peace, the Australian Greens understand the need to have a robust conversation about our national security laws. We also have the highest regard for human rights and freedoms.

Australian Greens spokesperson for legal affairs Senator Penny Wright will today introduce a new Bill to increase the powers of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor.

Earlier this year, the Abbott Government was defeated in its bid to scrap the Monitor - which plays a crucial role in assessing counter-terrorism laws - but the position remains vacant and unfunded.

"The position has been vacant since April, while bill after bill has been rushed through Parliament without proper scrutiny," Senator Wright said.

The Abbott Government must urgently increase funding for legal assistance services and remove gag clauses in light of the Productivity Commission report released today, say the Australian Greens.

Australian Greens spokesperson for legal affairs Senator Penny Wright said the Productivity Commission's Access to Justice Arrangements report revealed many errors in Attorney-General George Brandis's approach to the sector.