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

We have had commitments in the chamber. That is exactly right, Senator Bartlett. So, if you are going to do deals like this, at least do a good enough deal to get them to move the amendments up-front, because you are about to be had again, just like they had you early last week. They are going to have you again.

The proposed section 46 changes are an emaciated version of the Senate committee’s recommendations. In the case of the recoupment of losses from predatory pricing, it might actually be negative. Only Labor—and, to give him his due, Senator Barnaby Joyce—are the defenders of competition policy. Senator Fielding has caved in, and Mr Costello has proven that he is only interested in pandering to sectional interests rather than ensuring productivity gains will be generated from a strong competition environment. So you have a choice here today. It is not too late, Senator Boswell—through you, Madam Temporary Chair—to make a difference on this bill. It is not too late.