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Greens plan to clamp down on multinational tax avoidance estimated to net $4.5 billion

Today Greens leader Adam Bandt will address the final Greens National Conference of the year announcing a major pillar of the Greens’ Tax the Billionaires election campaign: the plan to End Multinational Tax Avoidance by clamping down on tax exploits and improving the transparency of company and ATO reporting.
The Parliamentary Budget Office has indicated the policy would claw back around $4.5 billion for the public purse.
The Greens say this policy will work in concert with the previously announced ‘Tycoon Tax’, on corporate super-profits, which itself would prevent certain types of tax minimisation practices. When added to the revenue generated by the already-announced Tycoon Tax (which includes a corporate super-profits tax and a mining super profits tax) and the Billionaires Tax, it brings the revenue raised by Greens’ policies to make big corporations and billionaires pay their fair share of tax to $391b over the decade. The Greens will announce further components applying to oil and gas corporations and ending fossil fuel handouts over coming months.
Recent polls point to a power-sharing Parliament as the most likely outcome of the coming election and in the balance of power, the Greens will push for billionaires and big corporations to pay their fair share of tax to get dental and mental health fully into Medicare and build affordable housing.
 

How the Greens’ multinational tax avoidance crackdown will work

The Greens comprehensive plan to tackle multinational tax avoidance identifies key areas to block the ways that corporations avoid Australian company tax:

  1. Stop the artificial shifting of debt to Australia to increase tax deductions.
  2. Stop tax deductions for royalties paid to other arms of the same company.
  3. Establish a public register of beneficial owners to see who really owns what.
  4. Publish basic information on the tax paid by companies earning over $50 million.
  5. Require the ATO to publish the details of the settlement of tax disputes with companies.

The independent Parliamentary Budget Office has calculated these measures will raise $4.5 billion over the decade. The Greens will also back a global push for a minimum corporate tax rate of 25%.
 

Tax Dodgers – Case Studies

Exxon Mobil
ExxonMobil Australia is a private subsidiary of the publicly listed global parent company. Over the last six years that the ATO has published details on the basic tax affairs of large private companies, ExxonMobil Australia has booked $56B in total income.1 But, each and every year, they reduced their taxable income to $0, mostly through a web of deductible payments to other arms of the same company. Which means that one of the world’s oil and gas giants has been paying 0% company income tax in Australia.
Apple
Apple is the world’s most profitable company. Their gross profit from their Australian operations was $1B in 2020.2 Yet, because they are a private company in Australia, we know little about how their affairs are structured, including what are the $663m in “selling, general and administrative expenses” that enabled them to reduce their taxable income to $410m and their tax bill to $120m. Like many tech giants, Apple Australia could be making royalty payments to the global parent company, which really aren’t an expense and shouldn’t be tax deductible.
PwC
PwC, along with the other Big4 accounting firms, operate as a partnership in Australia, which means we know very little about how much tax they pay. PwC says that its partners pay an average of 37% tax on $2.6B in revenue.3 But there is scant detail on how they arrived at these figures, which is ironic for an accounting firm.4 Whatever tax the partners do or don’t pay pales in comparison to their work as architects of intricate and sophisticated tax schemes for multinationals.5 In Australia, PwC has used lawyers to shield from the public what advice they have given to serial tax avoiders such as coal miner Glencore and Brazilian meat processor JBS, and what effect this advice had on how much tax these companies pay.6
 

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP in the speech will say:

Liberal and Labor aren’t just making the climate crisis worse, they’re making inequality worse too.
Right now, 1 in 3 big corporations don’t pay any tax.
The Greens believe that big corporations making big profits should pay tax.
In balance of power, the Greens will push to make big corporations and billionaires pay their fair share of tax.
There will be a billionaires’ tax on billionaires’ obscene wealth, which grew faster during the pandemic than the wealth of billionaires in any other country.
We will push for a ‘tycoons tax’ on the super-profits made by big corporations.
We will axe the handouts to the coal and gas corporations, because corporations who are mining and burning coal and gas need to be phased out, not publicly funded to make the climate crisis worse.
And today, I would like to announce the next part of our plan to make the big corporations and billionaires pay their fair share of tax and stop sending all their profits offshore.
The Greens will crack down on multinational tax avoidance.
Big corporations have too much power.
They seem to write their own rules.
Nowhere is this more evident than in tax.
Right now, we’re all being ripped off by multinational corporations who hide their profits in tax havens, shell companies and use accounting tricks to get away with paying their fair share of tax.
One example is ExxonMobil Australia. Over the last six years, it’s booked $56B in total income.7 But, each and every year, they reduced their taxable income to $0, mostly through a web of deductible
payments to other arms of the same company.
One of the world’s oil and gas giants has been paying 0% company income tax in Australia. What a joke.
These schemes are widely used to avoid or reduce tax in Australia.
Apple does it. Santos does it. And Virgin does it.
It’s a rort. It’s dodgy. But it’s lawful.
We must close the loopholes and stop the cash train departing our country.
The tax law might be complicated, but the morality is pretty simple.
When a nurse is paying more tax than a multinational, something is deeply wrong.
Multinationals making huge profits and sending them offshore should pay tax.
The Greens will push to end the rorts.
In balance of power, we will push to close the loopholes that allow money shifting offshore, by forcing companies to pay based on their global debt to equity ratio.
We will push to increase transparency, by forcing companies to publish what they pay, and ban secret settlements with the ATO.
And we will improve monitoring and enforcement, by establishing a public register of beneficial owners.
Our policy would claw back around $4.5 billion, according to the PBO. We’re being robbed and we need to get this cash back.
And we will back the minimum 25% global tax rate for multinational companies.
They will fight us, in court and in public, but people are fed up with being forced to pay more for schools and healthcare while billionaire corporations pay no tax.
People would prefer to have free mental and dental health care rather than billionaire corporations sending massive profits to offshore shareholders.
But to make the big corporations and billionaires pay tax, we need to get into the balance of power.
 

Greens Treasury Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said:

“Tax avoidance is a game to these big corporations, and ultimately the loser is the Australian public.
“Ultimately, everybody knows what’s going on; the profits are being made here and we’re sitting back and watching them fly away. We need to stop the rot and make these multinationals’ pay their fair share of tax.
“We’re sick of hearing that it’s ‘too hard’ to tax corporations making billions of dollars here in Australia. All of the tired excuses and threats of leaving the country are paper thin.
“What company turns its nose up at billions in profit because it has to pay a fraction of that profit in tax? Sure they’ll take it all if we let them, but the other option is to play hard ball and call their bluff.
“Every dollar of tax that the government fails to get from a multinational is an extra dollar they have to either take from an Australian worker or cut from schools and hospitals.
 
Footnotes:

  1. ATO, Corporate tax transparency: report of entity tax information, 2013-19.
  2. ASIC, Copy of financial statements and reports, Doc No. 7EBE03904 – Apple Pty Ltd, ACN: 002 510 054
  3. https://www.pwc.com.au/press-room/2019/pwc-australia-discloses-its-tax-contribution-to-the-australian-economy.html; https://www.pwc.com.au/press-room/2021/pwc-australia-delivers-full-year-revenue.html; and assuming
  4. Literally, there are two press releases. One contains some numbers in the text. The other has a five line table. That’s it! And they only issued these press releases following attention through a parliamentary inquiry. They don’t even have to disclose this information.
  5. See: Jones, Temouri & Cobham, Tax haven networks and the role of the Big 4 accountancy firms, Journal of World Business, Volume 53, Issue 2, February 2018, Pages 177-193.
  6. Commissioner of Taxation v Glencore Investment Pty Ltd [2020] FCAFC 187; Commissioner of Taxation v
    PricewaterhouseCoopers & Ors.
  7. ATO, Corporate tax transparency: report of entity tax information, 2013-19.
PDFs
application/pdfEnding Multinational Tax Avoidance – Media Announment .pdfPDF107.03 KB
application/pdfEnd Corporate Tax Avoidance – Stakeholder Statement.pdfPDF106.11 KB

Australia’s Tokyo showcase leaves a lasting legacy for our health

The performances of our Olympic and Paralympic teams in Tokyo look set to leave a lasting legacy and improve the health and wellbeing of Australians.
Findings from Sport Australia’s Community Perceptions Monitor survey reveal more than half of all Australians were inspired by the performance of our athletes –  with one in five saying they were now more motivated to get active.
The survey, which captures public attitudes towards sport, found 55 per cent of Australians who watched the Olympics and 58 per cent who watched the Paralympics said they felt proud to be an Australian.
Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said it underlined the positive impact the performance of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes had on the nation.
“We have always understood the power of sport to improve our health and reinforce communities,” Minister Colbeck said.
“But the Sport Australia survey showcases the tangible outcomes created as a result of the performances of our sports men and women.”
Participation in organised sport is also expected to benefit with 12 per cent of parents considering enrolling their child or children in a new sport after watching the Games.
While winning medals was identified by Australians as something that made them feel proud, we placed greater value on athletes who showed determination, worked hard and demonstrated good sportsmanship.
The survey also found 82 per cent of people surveyed watched at least some of the 16-day coverage of the Olympics.
And despite having a third of the free-to-air coverage and a 12-day program, the Paralympics proved popular with 68 per cent of survey participants tuning in.
Sport Australia Acting CEO Rob Dalton said the research highlights the pride that Australians have in our athletes and reinforces the important role they play as role models.
“As COVID-19 restrictions ease across the nation and community sport returns, now is the perfect time to get involved in organised sport as a participant, volunteer or official and enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits that sport offers,” Mr Dalton said.
“We know that volunteers remain key to ensuring sporting clubs and organisations can get back on track following the pandemic. For many Australians, community sport provides a first connection to sport and can help develop and unearth our future sporting talent.”
Minister Colbeck said the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games provided a perfect launching pad with a string of major sporting events locked in as we head towards Brisbane 2032.
“The report illustrates the lasting legacy major sporting events can have on generations to come,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We marvelled at the incredible efforts of our Olympians and Paralympians in Tokyo and I can’t wait to see what our athletes achieve next.
“As we look ahead to the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, 2022 Commonwealth Games, 2024 Paris Games and 2032 Brisbane Games there are plenty of opportunities for our athletes to shine and inspire future generations.”
Sport Australia’s Community Perceptions Monitor survey can be found here.

Charges laid following serious crash as critical incident investigation continues – Hamilton

Police have charged a man as part of a critical incident investigation into a serious crash in the state’s Northern Region earlier this week.
Just after 11.10am on Thursday (11 November 2021), officers attached to the Northern Region High Visibility Policing Unit were conducting proactive patrols at Everton Street, Hamilton, when they observed an unregistered red Suzuki Swift.
The driver allegedly failed to stop as directed and a pursuit was initiated, before being terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.
Officers continued patrolling the area and located the Suzuki rolled on its side after colliding with a Toyota Hilux at the intersection of Lawson and Denison Streets.
A rear seat passenger of the Suzuki – a 27-year-old woman – was trapped in the vehicle before being freed by emergency services. She was taken to John Hunter Hospital where she remains in a critical but stable condition.
The driver and two other passengers of the Suzuki fled the scene on foot; however, were located and arrested by police a short distance away.
The two passengers – a 29-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man – were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and have since been released.
The driver of the Suzuki – a 38-year-old man – was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition under police guard.
The driver of the Toyota Hilux – a 40-year-old man – and his passenger – a 21-year-old man – were not injured during the incident.
A crime scene was established and examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
Following extensive investigations, officers attended John Hunter Hospital and charged the 38-year-old man with 12 offences including;

  • Dangerous driving occasion grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous,
  • fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm,
  • cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle,
  • not stop at/before stop line/stop sign,
  • negligent driving (occasions grievous bodily harm),
  • police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously
  • not comply P2 licence condition not display P plates,
  • not give particulars to other driver,
  • use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on road,
  • use uninsured motor vehicle,
  • driver fails/refuses to disclose his/her identity, and,
  • fail to stop and assist after impact cause injury.

The Morisset man was refused bail to appear via AVL at Newcastle Bail Court today (Saturday 13 November 2021).
A critical incident team from the Hunter Valley Police District will continue investigations.

Additional support for Australians with rare skin conditions

The Morrison Government is providing additional support, reducing the out of pocket costs for hundreds of Australians living with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic disorder which requires specialised wound dressings.
Epidermolysis bullosa, which mainly affects children can be a painful and debilitating condition, resulting in extremely fragile and blister prone skin.
Around 260 Australians require specialised dressings and for those living with the most severe form of the disease, the dressings can cost them around $5,000 a month.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Morrison Government has approved 46 new products to be listed on the National Epidermolysis Bullosa Dressing Scheme (NEBDS) Product Schedule.
“These new products will provide additional support for Australians, helping to manage their costs for dressings, reduce their out of pocket costs,” Minister Hunt said.
“Recommended by the NEBDS Clinical Advisory Committee, the 46 additions include new and improved technology designed to enhance wound care and accelerate healing.
“In 2020-21, our Government invested $3.35 million through the NEBDS, which continues to help Australian patients access wound dressings. Instead of paying thousands of dollars a month, patients will only pay $41.30 per script or $6.60 with a concession card for each monthly order of dressings.”
Management of the Scheme is also being streamlined to enable recommended listings to occur sooner, which will improve patient access and support efficiency by enabling the Department of Health to approve minor changes and costs.
Access to the NEBDS is restricted to patients who meet the clinical eligibility criteria and are registered by a clinical expert. Patients participating in the Scheme are required to pay a contribution equivalent to the relevant PBS co-payment for each monthly order of dressings.
At 1 July 2021, there were 368 individual dressing/wound care products on the NEBDS Product Schedule.
More information about the NEBDS is available online – https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-epidermolysis-bullosa-dressing-scheme-nebds

Securing Australia’s Economic Recovery

The Morrison Government is securing Australia’s economic recovery by backing businesses to succeed and create jobs with a further $33 million to support Australian made food and beverage companies.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the funding was part of the latest round of the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI).
“Liberals and Nationals will continue to protect and grow manufacturing jobs to secure Australia’s economic recovery,” the Prime Minister said.
“More than one million Australians are once again employed in manufacturing and we want businesses to be successful and create even more jobs.
“Under Labor, one in eight manufacturing jobs were lost and Australians can’t risk this sort of economic mismanagement as we begin to open up again.”
Seven Australian companies will share in the funding, which will unlock new manufacturing opportunities, boost production, and create more jobs across the country.
The investment would boost manufacturing from Kingaroy in the north, to Hobart in the south.
Food and beverage production is the largest manufacturing sector in Australia, employing one in four manufacturing workers and contributing around $22.4 billion to our economy.
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said these grants would bolster the thriving food and beverage sector and unlock further significant investment from the sector.
“This funding will help some of the most innovative producers leverage technology to increase their production, while meeting growing export demand and creating new local jobs,” Minister Taylor said.
“Not only will this funding help maximise the agricultural advantages we enjoy, but it will also help regional Australia and the supply chains that operate throughout it.”
The successful Food and Beverage recipients under the Initiative are:

  • Sabrini Foods (VIC, NSW, SA) will use $1.4 million to become the first local manufacturer to transform Aussie dairy into extended shelf life and frozen paneer, overcoming one of the constraints to export.
  • Bulla (VIC) will use $4.5 million for a purpose-built facility to make new ice cream lines such as cones and sandwiches from Australian dairy for sale here and overseas.
  • Plenty Foods (QLD) will use its $9 million in funding to transform Australian nuts into locally-made protein nut flour.
  • Turbine Sunshine Coast (QLD) will use its $8.7 million in funding to establish a research and development centre and large-scale contract beverage manufacturing facility.
  • Mulgowie Fresh (QLD, VIC) will use its $5.1 million in funding to expand its processing capability and capacity in sweet corn and beans, increasing its supplies both domestically and in South East Asia.
  • Sullivans Cove Distillery (TAS) will use its $3.3 million in funding to help build its new state-of-the-art production facility, which doubles as a world-class tourism experience.
  • Ennio (SA) will use its $ 1.3 million in funding to develop its world-first patented technology for manufacturing nettings and casings specifically for the global meat and poultry industry.

The MMI is the centrepiece of the Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy, designed to position Australia as a globally recognised, high-quality and sustainable manufacturing nation.
Food and Beverage is the fourth stream of funding across priority areas identified under the MMI, and follows $100 million invested in Space, Medical Products, and Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing announced in July.
Funding across the remaining areas of Recycling and Defence will be announced soon.
To learn more about the Strategy and the MMI visit www.industry.gov.au/manufacturing

Seed library grows further across Newcastle

Green thumbs across Newcastle have contributed to the growth of Newcastle Seed Library, with a wider variety of seeds now available to borrow from the city’s Digital Library.
City of Newcastle Manager Libraries & Learning Suzie Gately said that Newcastle Seed Library has been expanded due to its popularity and is a great way for people to get into gardening and learn new seed-saving skills.
“Gardening has become a popular pastime throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns, with vegetable gardens flourishing in the backyards of homes throughout the nation,” Ms Gately said.
“There are so many benefits to gardening, including improved health and wellbeing, and the opportunity to live more sustainably by eating fresh produce straight from your own garden.
“Over 1,200 seed packets have been borrowed since the seed library first opened, as locals have embraced the opportunity to borrow seeds for free, teach children about the life cycle of plants and learn how to save seeds.
“While sometimes growing from seed doesn’t go as planned, we encourage borrowers to donate seeds back, which will ensure the continued growth of the Seed Library with a collection of varieties that have adapted to local conditions.”
In October 2020, Newcastle Seed Library launched through an innovative community partnership with Newcastle Libraries, and enthusiastic gardeners have been able to borrow and donate seeds from Wallsend Library.
Certified organic varieties including basil, tomato, zucchini, pumpkin and bush bean were initially available to borrow from the Newcastle Seed Library and thanks to donations from community members, new additions include flat leaf parsley, marigold, Madagascar lima bean, loofah, sunflower, mixed lettuce and poppy.
Seeds can be borrowed from the Digital Library from today and Lambton Library when it reopens later this year, while seed donations can now be made at any Newcastle Libraries branch.
The Newcastle Seed Library is a free service and available to all members of Newcastle Libraries. Membership to Newcastle Libraries is also free and can be arranged by phoning 4974 5300 or visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library
Tutorials are available to view on the Newcastle Libraries website to provide members with the knowledge to build their own skills to grow produce and flowers from seed. Over Summer free workshops will be held about native bees and natural pest control, and the Newcastle Seed Library newsletter is full of free seed saving tips.

Critical incident investigation underway following fatal crash – Hamilton

A critical incident investigation is underway after a woman was seriously injured following a crash in the state’s Northern Region.
Just after 11.10am yesterday (Thursday 11 November 2021), officers attached to the Northern Region High Visibility Policing Unit were conducting proactive patrols at Everton Street, Hamilton, when they observed an unregistered red Suzuki Swift.
The driver allegedly failed to stop as directed and a pursuit was initiated, before being terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.
Officers continued patrolling the area and located the Suzuki rolled on its side after colliding with a Toyota Hilux at the intersection of Lawson and Denison Streets.
A rear seat passenger of the Suzuki – a 27-year-old woman – was trapped in the vehicle before being extracted by emergency services. She was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition, where she remains.
The driver and two other passengers of the Suzuki fled the scene on foot; however, were located and arrested by police a short distance away.
The driver – a 38-year-old man – was also taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition, where he remains under police guard.
The two passengers – a 29-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man – were also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Toyota Hilux – a 40-year-old man – and his passenger – a 21-year-old man – were not injured during the incident.
A crime scene was established and examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
A critical incident team from the Hunter Valley Police District will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.
That investigation will be subject to an independent review.
No police officers were injured during the incident.

Another man charged with murder following fatal shooting – Port Stephens

A third man has been charged over his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting in Port Stephens in August this year.
About 1.45pm on Sunday 29 August 2021, emergency services were called to Hideaway Drive, Salt Ash, following reports a white Ford Ranger utility had hit a tree.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics and located a male driver suffering a fatal gunshot wound.
He was later identified as 45-year-old David King.
A short time later, officers located a burnt-out white Santa Fe located on Masonite Road, Heatherbrae, which police believe is allegedly linked to the shooting.
Detectives established Strike Force Breve to investigate the incident, with assistance from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.
On Friday 5 November 2021, two men – aged 27 and 39 – were arrested and charged. They are currently before the courts.
Following further inquiries, about 9am today (Friday 12 November 2021), police arrested a 26-year-old man at Grafton Police Station.
He was charged with murder, take/detain person in company without to obtain advantage, possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority and aggravated sex assault- offender in company with other person/s.
Police will allege in court that after shooting David King, the men fled the scene in a white Santa Fe, where the 26-year-old man allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in the car without her consent. The car was then allegedly set on fire and destroyed.
The 26-year-old appeared in Grafton Local Court today where he was refused bail, to reappear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 20 December 2021.

Australia must not sabotage Glasgow climate consensus: Greens

As the Glasgow climate summit comes to a head and the Liberals’ weak 2030 targets place Australia under increasing pressure, Scott Morrison is again readying Australia to sabotage a global climate consensus by blocking political momentum for a ‘ratcheting up’ of 2030 targets.
With Australia failing to raise ambition for 2030, the draft communique from COP26 is planning to specifically call upon nations who have insufficient mid-term targets to return next year to COP27 in Egypt with increased ambition consistent with the science.
The Liberal Party has a demonstrated history of sabotaging international climate talks by blocking consensus and demanding the right to keep polluting. The notorious ‘Australia clause’ loophole that allowed countries like Australia to increase its emissions under the Kyoto Protocol was added into the agreement at the demand of the then Howard Government.
“Scott Morrison is getting ready to sabotage global climate action just to save face,” Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, said.
“Scott Morrison must not hold the rest of the world back from climate action just to suit his domestic climate denial.
“If we don’t do more by 2030, we won’t stop the climate crisis. The rest of the world gets that and they’re urging countries like Australia, Russia and Saudi Arabia to do more.
“Instead of trying to fudge the science and rip clauses out of the Glasgow agreement, Scott Morrison should sign on to the agreement and lift Australia’s 2030 targets, like the US and UK have done.”
“Removing clauses that recall nations who fail to increase 2030 ambitions may appease the coal and gas corporations in the lead up to the 2022 election, but it gives cover for other recalcitrant petrostates to join Australia’s lead and refuse to act.
“We’re in a critical decade for climate action and the rest of the world is no longer distracted by the Liberals’ accounting tricks. The only action that will count is urgently phasing out coal, oil and gas, the main causes of the climate crisis.
“This draft communique recognises the urgency from the latest IPCC report. Pushing back action to later decades is as dangerous as climate denial.”

Police violence is a national crisis, say Greens

Gomeroi man, Stanley Russell, a father, was shot dead by NSW police. His brother, Eddie Russell, died in police custody in 1999. “Violence against First Nations people is a national crisis and the Morrison Government is doing nothing about it,” said Gunnai, Gunditjmara and DjabWurrung Senator for Victoria Lidia Thorpe.
Greens spokesperson for Justice and First Nations, Senator Lidia Thorpe said:
“This is colonial violence. This is the continuation of the genocidal project that started in 1788. Over 470 people have died since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and we’re still waiting for true accountability. Is the system broken, or working according to its design?
“The police are supposed to protect people, not kill them. Why does being around the police have fatal consequences for First Nations people? My heart aches for this family. The police have a duty of care and that has been completely ignored for this family.
“We’ve had the solutions to end deaths in custody for over 30 years. The Morrison Government needs to work with the families of people who have died in police custody and implement all of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. How many more of us need to die?
“The Greens have listened to the families and we are joining their call for a national ban on spit hoods and lethal choke holds, greater transparency in reporting deaths in custody and more funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services and Family Violence Prevention Legal Services and their peak bodies.
“As a matter of national urgency, we’re also calling for the full implementation of an independent prison oversight system under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). Without independent monitoring of places of detention, more First Nations people will die in custody.
“OPCAT is a critical instrument of international human rights law. It needs to be culturally safe, properly resourced and nationally consistent. The Liberal party signed onto it in 2017, and since then have done the bare minimum and called it progress.
“Everyone has the right to be treated fairly, no matter where they are. Humane treatment in police custody cannot be a game of chance. Every person in this country deserves to be treated with dignity and be free from torture. Always.” Said Thorpe.
The Office of Senator Thorpe has asked for permission from the family to speak on this, and use their names.
David Shoebridge, Greens NSW MP said: 
“Deaths in custody are not an accident, they are the result of a criminal justice system that is designed to be dangerous, often lethal, for First Nations people.
“Recurring deaths in custody send renewed waves of pain and hurt across communities. It never seems to have an end.“This is a national crisis that many political leaders refuse to recognise, because those that pay the cost are not the people they are in power to represent.
“Indifference, platitudes and empty gestures from politicians allow these killings to continue, and it’s well past time they were held to account for their inaction,” Said Shoebridge.