30 October 2025
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (16:56): I move to amend the motion as follows:
Delete paragraph 1 and substitute:
1. Notes with deep sorrow the assassinations of American political commentator Charlie Kirk on 10 September 2025 and the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives of the United States of America, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark Hortman, on 14 June 2025;
Delete paragraph 2 and substitute:
2. Extends its sincere condolences to their family, friends, colleagues and supporters;
Peace and nonviolence is one of the fundamental principles of the Greens. It is for that reason that I have advanced this amendment, because it includes a reference to an act of political violence that occurred just a few months before the other event that the Hon. Ben Hood has flagged. Whatever people's views on the individuals involved, ultimately in a democracy we should all be able to participate as political actors without fear of violence or, indeed, death.
I thank the Hon. Ian Hunter for his thoughtful contribution and for the important reminder he has provided around the need for civility and respect in public life. I think all of us look at what is unfolding in the United States at the moment with a degree of sadness and concern and a real desire not to see our country go down that path as a democracy, because it is very clear that democracy in the United States is not working effectively and that that discourse has become deeply, deeply toxic.
I advance this amendment on the basis that it also recognises an act of violence that occurred just a few months ago in the United States. Of course, all political violence should be condemned.