The Australian Greens today commended the Foreign Minister for strengthening sanctions against the Burmese military regime, but warned against Australian companies profiteering.

"The Greens congratulate the Foreign Minister for taking action to increase the pressure and reiterate Australia's call for democracy in Burma," said Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam.

"Now the next crucial step is to clamp down on Australian investors who are still doing business with the regime."

Senator Scott Ludlam delivers his inaugural speech in the Senate Chamber.

Scott Ludlam, Western Australia’s most recently elected Greens Senator, will put forth his parliamentary agenda on Tuesday in an inaugural speech that will both inspire and confront.

“It is time for determined, intelligent, coordinated action,” Senator Ludlam said.

“An energy-efficient Australia can be renewably powered within a generation.

The Australian Greens today outlined their vision for Australia in the new century ahead of the opening of the Balance-of-Power Senate.

Australian Greens Leader, Senator Bob Brown, said a record 1.17 million people voted Greens at the last election, and the five Greens Senators were ready to work constructively with all parties to respond to the challenges of the new century.

"Pollution, poverty, discrimination and the destruction of Australia's forests and precious environments are the legacy of the last century and decades of greed and inaction."

we hear so much about climate change as a crisis. and it's true. we've lost the last two decades. if we don't act now the consequences are truly terrifying. this morning the UN secretary general described it as an emergency. and it is.

but it's also going to be a gift. it's going to bring some changes. imagine this.

imagine our houses become cooler, more comfortable, and better designed.