Kerry Nettle (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I wish to make a short statement. The Australian Greens are not in a position to support changing an immediate withdrawal to a planned withdrawal. A planned withdrawal is the position of the Howard government—perhaps not even the position of the Bush government now—and could mean 20 years time. This is an immediate issue that needs resolution, so I am not in a position to accept the amendment. However, I would be prepared to change the wording of the motion so that it read ‘a planned, immediate withdrawal’, because of course all withdrawals are planned. But I am not happy to accept the amendment as proposed by Senator Allison.

Question put:

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