Natasha Stott Despoja (SA, Australian Democrats) Share this | Hansard source

This is my last comment, Madam Temporary Chairman. I obviously appreciate that the minister has to do what the minister has to do; but, as to not understanding the demographics of the debate: bring it on. If you want the debate, I will have it. I am quite happy to ask you, for example, to outline, without getting advice or looking at your notes, some of the birthrates in the 15- to 19-year-old age group or the 18-year-old age group specifically. You think I am not aware of the debate; you should know that since 2002 there have been very few legislators amongst the Democrats who have not spent their time looking forensically at the demographics, the issues, the community debate and the research. When it comes to paid maternity leave, maternity payments, baby bonus 1, baby bonus 2—you name it—bring it on, because I am happy to have that debate.

I say that through you, Madam Temporary Chairman, to Senator Scullion, and I think he knows it. Maybe even this week we will have an opportunity with the launch of a new paid maternity leave campaign, which will bring up some of the new debates about demographics, statistics and community issues. I am ready. But in the meantime, on behalf of the Democrats, I would like to indicate our very strong support for this amendment. I look forward to facing off, so to speak, with Senator Scullion. I am not going to get into the South Australia versus Northern Territory debate. That would be to go off on a tangent.