Rod Kemp (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for the Arts and Sport) Share this | Hansard source

Let me make a general point to Senator Milne. Her comments about the Greens seeking to and wishing to engage are fine. That is exactly what I have been arguing. When the Greens once held the balance of power in this chamber, their astonishing approach squandered the use of that balance of power such that it will never be given back to the Greens again. That was a disappointment to many people, including many supporters of the Greens. So my substantive point remains.

If Senator Milne wants to claim credit for a variety of things, she is entitled to do that. Others will perhaps make other judgments about the impact that the Greens have had on a variety of issues. There would be many who would have barely heard the Greens’ voice, to be quite frank. Anyway, Senator Milne is entitled to make claims, and others will judge whether those claims have any merit or not. From my own point of view, they have little merit. I am not aware of the impact that the Greens have had in relation to the Snowy Hydro sale, but that is one thing that the Greens wish to claim, and we cannot stop them doing that.

I will say, Senator Milne, that I have been encouraged by the fact that you and your colleague Senator Siewert have been far more assiduous at attending Senate committee hearings than Senator Brown and Senator Nettle have been in the past. I think that is a good thing. That shows that a new philosophy is emerging in the Greens and that they are going to seek to constructively take part in debates rather than thinking of political stunts. That is a very good thing. I encourage you to pursue that general philosophy. Hopefully, in the years to come when you look back you will be able to say that the Greens actually achieved a few things, and that would be a good thing for your supporters—but the history book is a very small one at this stage.

Question negatived.

Bill agreed to.

Bill reported without amendment; report adopted.