Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown, speaking to reporters in Hobart today, looks forward to President Obama's visit and calls on the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to ensure there is a parliamentary debate on the build-up of US military personnel, equipment and training in Australia.

"The Greens are looking forward to joining the welcome for President Obama," Australian Greens Leader Senator Brown said today.

"It will be so refreshing. Quite different to the visit of George W Bush," Senator Brown said in Hobart.

Senator Brown also called for a parliamentary debate on the build-up of US military personnel, equipment and training in Australia.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown says there needs to be a public and parliamentary debate about Australia forgoing the option of an independent relationship with its neighbours and a stronger profile in affording civil aid and peace operations in our region.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown joined John Laws on 2SM live from Canberra today to discuss the war in Afghanistan and the need to bring Australian soldiers safely home.

Greens Leader Bob Brown today joined all Australians in wishing the injured soldiers a speedy recovery and urged the Gillard government to bring Australian troops home safely from Afghanistan.

"Unlike the Government or the Opposition, the Greens continue to call for Australian Defence Force personnel in Afghanistan to be brought home safely as soon as possible. A debate will be held in both houses of parliament on 21 November and we will be strongly putting that point of view," Senator Brown said.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown today paid tribute to the people of Libya who have brought an end to Muammar Gaddafi's cruel dictatorship.

"Brave Libyans died standing up for the rights that we in Australia take for granted," Senator Brown said in Canberra.

The Australian Greens will take the European Commission's proposal for a financial transaction tax to next week's tax forum.

The massive flood disaster in Pakistan warrants more response from the Labor and Coalition leaders, Greens Leader Bob Brown said in Adelaide today.

"The United Nations is calling for up to $1 billion in assistance for the 20 million affected Pakistanis, 300,000 of whom now face a cholera epidemic, but so far the Australian Government has donated $10 million," said Senator Brown.

"Last night it was revealed that the US has 19 helicopters assisting rescue and food delivery to the 20 million. 

Lift aid to Pakistan flood victims

Australian Greens Bob Brown has moved overseas aid onto the election agenda, calling for four key measures:

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown welcomed the Coalition's announcement of a Minister for International Development today. 

"I announced that the Greens would move for a Minister for Overseas Aid and International Development in my National Press Club Speech in July," said Senator Brown.

The Greens support an Australian Development Aid contribution of 0.7% of GNI by 2012, in line with the United Nations goal for developed countries.