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

Quite unprovoked. The debate on the bill, as I understand it, was going pretty smoothly, but we had an unprovoked attack from Senator Carr. It would be well worth the Victorian government thinking about how it can more effectively sell its message to local communities. The Bracks government is a government which, to my mind, is losing touch with the community. In fact, it lost touch a long time ago, but I think the wind farms issue has highlighted that.

Senator Siewert, returning to your question, the information I have received from my advisers is that the government made a commitment to progress legislative reform of this act and remains committed to that. This bill is a step towards that reform. I am further advised—and this refers to one of the matters Senator Siewert raised—that consultation with respect to these reforms will continue with the Indigenous industry and governments. I think that should give Senator Siewert some comfort. I am further advised that the department has allocated resources to progress reform and consultation in the coming year.

This is a consultative government. We have always been a government which has been prepared to get out and to talk to people. I think even Labor senators would concede that I have a reputation for being a consultative minister and one who listens. I hope, Senator Siewert, that that deals with your issues.