Santo Santoro (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for Ageing) Share this | Hansard source

The government’s position is consistent for both amendment (1) and amendment (2). I have explained the government’s position on sexual orientation and status in what I have just said, and earlier on, during my summing up speech subsequent to the speeches made in the second reading debate. I referred to your amendment by saying:

The chief amendment proposed by Senator Nettle is an additional qualification to the definition of a member of a couple. The amendment alters the definition to specifically refer to same-sex partners.

I went on to say what I have just said in relation to both amendments:

The government believes ... that these issues should be considered through a holistic examination of all government legislation rather than in an ad hoc way and is currently looking closely at further eliminating unfair discriminatory treatment against interdependent relationships.

So the government’s attitude applies to both amendment (1) and amendment (2). I am sorry about the confusion. Prior to dinner I thought that we were dealing with another amendment—other than what was contained on the sheet. I apologise for any confusion on my part.