Santo Santoro (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for Ageing) Share this | Hansard source

I listened very carefully to the contributions from Senator Bartlett and Senator Siewert. I think Senator Bartlett was the substantial contributor on behalf of the Democrats and the Greens, and I would like to acknowledge that, as usual, he spoke with great sincerity and conviction, which is something that I appreciate about Senator Bartlett’s contributions in this place.

I would like to note two positions put forward by Senator Bartlett. The first major point that he made was that the effect of the Democrats and the Greens amendments is similar to the effect that was sought by the ALP amendment, which was dealt with rather conclusively by the Senate a few minutes ago. I appreciate that there are differences in terms of the way that the ALP amendment and the Democrats and Greens amendments go about the business but basically you are changing the impact of the schedule as it stands now or, in the case of this amendment, the schedule is being done away with all together should this amendment be successful.

That was one thing I noted. The other thing I noted was that Senator Bartlett and Senator Siewert just a minute or so ago contended that Minister Kemp’s remarks did not address the issues we are debating at the moment, and that his remarks were unconvincing. I would like to say that I listened carefully to Minister Kemp’s remarks, and I must admit that I found them highly persuasive—so much so that if I reiterated them it would be unnecessary repetition. So I stand by—and I think everybody on this side of the chamber would stand by—Minister Kemp’s remarks, and I urge the Senate to proceed with further consideration of the legislation before us.

Question put:

That schedule 6 stand as printed.