Kay Patterson (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I was going to do that but then it will take us on to the next amendment and we still have to discuss that one. One of the problems is that we have these amendments. I have to say Senator Nettle indicated there were going to be amendments in the committee hearing. She showed courtesy to the chamber in that she foreshadowed these. She was the first one out of the block with amendments drafted. I had hoped that we would be able to have an answer to her as soon as we got into the committee stage, but let me just say that I hope Senator Nettle is prepared for us to actually seek advice as to the doability of this amendment because I would like to be able to address her concerns. I am sure Senator McLucas—I will not put words in her mouth—would appreciate the opportunity to do that. If Senator Nettle is prepared to defer that amendment until we seek that advice then we can have a more informed discussion and decision.