Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today the Morrison government, in the Senate, had the opportunity to debate the Ensuring Northern Territory Rights Bill, put forward by NT senator Sam McMahon. They deliberately, purposefully decided not to allow debate on that bill to continue. First they tried to get rid of one of our Northern Territory seats in this place, and we fought hard for fair representation for the Northern Territory. Now, through the voter ID laws, they're making it harder for Territorians and people all around Australia to vote. Today, they had the chance to back Territory rights, but they did not take it. Those opposite do not support full rights for Northern Territorians and for people of the Australian Capital Territory.

Senator McMahon's bill follows attempts in the previous parliament by me and the member for Fenner to overturn the Andrews bill. It was designed to reinstate full territory rights, but it was stopped by those opposite. Senator McMahon's bill was not perfect, not having included the ACT, but it at least tried to get a debate happening in our nation.

Deputy Speaker, I seek leave to table a petition by Territorians wanting full rights as members of this country.

Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted. The document will be forwarded to the Petitions Committee for its consideration and will be accepted subject to confirmation by the committee that it conforms with the standing orders.