The Green Circus

What a joke the Australian parliament has become.

Maybe it's always been like that in the eyes of the public, but as a former Senator, I lament what a clown show it now represents.

The decline was undoubtedly evident during my time, and I dare say I contributed to it. The headlines and political stunts were part and parcel of trying to cut through in politics.

However, in my case, there was always a reverence for the institution.

It's very rare that individual politicians are important, but the position they hold is very important.

One of my political maxims was not to take myself too seriously but to take the position I held very seriously.

That meant being diligent with the acquittal of taxpayer money and being accountable for words and actions while always acting in the national interest.

That's the broadest sense. You can narrow it down even further to representing your state or electorate. That means sticking up for your people.

Of course, that doesn't mean sticking up for all the people.