Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

On Senator Joyce’s behalf I am obviously disappointed by Senator Coonan’s response. I think Senator Joyce has made another excellent attempt to go to the nub of the problem with this legislation. Probably the only thing I would say, Senator Joyce, is that I am genuinely surprised that you did not include the public interest test as an addition, because that is the important part. It still only leaves competition, which—as we have discussed at length with Mr Samuel and amongst ourselves in the committee—is not sufficient to protect the diversity of opinion. No marketing voices can easily be identified. But I think it is a very worthy attempt to bring to bear a more rigorous examination of merger activity, particularly in this field. Therefore, I indicate that the opposition will be supporting the amendment.