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

Normally I would not respond to abuse in this chamber. As people know, I am very restrained in relation to that. But, Senator Siewert, I think you have got to be generous. This was an important amendment. I think that this was an issue that was well explained by Senator Evans. The government did move on it and I think that you have to give credit for that rather than raising your voice and arguing that some people differ on other matters. Of course they differ on other matters; no one argues that. We are all coming to this debate from a position that we want to achieve significant outcomes for the Indigenous people. You have a particular view and you are entitled to your view. I do not abuse you for your view. You are absolutely entitled to that view. But we do not agree with you and we have consulted with a large range of people that agree with our view. Therefore the government in the end has to make a decision. I think that it is unfortunate that you attempt to politicise a very important debate in this manner. This is a balancing of issues and the government has done the right thing.