Andrew Murray (WA, Australian Democrats) Share this | Hansard source

I think I will begin with the last speaker, Senator Abetz, in wrapping up this debate. Before I do, let me thank those senators who contributed to the debate. In beginning with the last first, I was not elected by the House of Representatives. I was elected by the people of Western Australia, and it is my duty to pass opinion on every matter which is proper to come before this chamber. Remuneration Tribunal matters are disallowable instruments and, frankly, to say that any senator who chooses to do his duty and put a contrary opinion to a matter of law or regulation before the Senate defies precedent, defies duty and is an unwarranted slur on the way in which senators conduct themselves. Although my own party is not represented in the House of Representatives, unfortunately, other parties here are, and they take a group view concerning these matters. The Labor Leader of the Opposition in the Senate does not arrive here without having considered the views of the Labor members of the House of Representatives.

But all that is a bit of a distraction. I think the effect of this Remuneration Tribunal determination with regard to these specific clauses is reprehensible both in its individual character and in its accumulative consequence for incumbents. But in my saying that its effect is reprehensible you will have noticed, Mr Acting Deputy President, that in my opening remarks I did not ascribe motive at all to the Remuneration Tribunal.