Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Banking and Financial Services) Share this | Hansard source

Likewise I was going to draw to the attention of the minister, despite his somewhat misleading response to Senator Murray’s and my comments, that we are not dealing with matters relating to the Marriage Act. We are dealing with property rights and property owned by individuals. In this case the amendment is appropriate. As to my reference to the Prime Minister being arrogant, I certainly do regard it as arrogant—I could use a stronger word—when the Prime Minister announces principles of government policy in this area and then 18 months later we get legislation that does not reflect his announcement. Senator Murray read out the terms of the Prime Minister’s announcement. I could be a touch stronger about this government’s arrogance in this regard. That is where my comments went to. This has nothing to do with the Marriage Act.

Question put:

That the amendment (Senator Murray’s) be agreed to.