Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

The Manager of Opposition Business raises the issue of gagging debate. As the Manager of Opposition Business knows, a majority in this chamber enables that majority to be used to gag debate at any time. That was something that was used regularly by the former government. I have indicated on behalf of the government that it is our intention to sit after 8 pm this evening in order to facilitate debate in this chamber on these bills. But these bills will be carried today because I know that, regardless of the position that the opposition takes, each and every member who sits on this side of the chamber who represents the Australian Labor Party wants to deliver for people who they have been elected to represent. We should remember one thing: these bills are not actually about us. They are about 21 million Australians who need protection from the impacts of the global financial crisis.

The shadow Treasurer’s office, as I understand it, did get the bills last night.

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