Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I say to the Leader of the Australian Greens party, that, as I understand it, two bills were briefed to members of the crossbench this week by me and by representatives of my office. On the other bill, which is the bill that is next on the Notice Paper, a parliamentary representative of the Australian Greens party did attend, but not for this bill—the Bankruptcy Amendment (Discharge from Bankruptcy) Bill 2023—where a member of staff was sent. For the member for Melbourne to stand up and complain when the Greens party did not bother to send a member of parliament for the briefing that was offered is a bit rich.

But I'll just say on this bill: the discharge from bankruptcy bill is directed at providing certainty and order in the Australian bankruptcy system—an important part of our insolvency law. For the Australian Greens to not make one single comment about the content of the bill and to make this complaint as they have about process simply shows the irresponsibility of their party and their lack of interest in real legislative work in this place. After this bill is passed, as I expect it to be, if they are really interested in it, I'm happy to talk to them anytime about it. But I will say again: this bill is to provide order and certainty to all involved in the Australian bankruptcy system. It's an entirely appropriate use of the processes of this parliament, and members of the Greens party should reflect on their own conduct.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

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