Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Hansard source

As I understand it, there was no exposure draft as such, but there was a draft bill, because it is a draft bill until such time as it is actually introduced. There was some consultation within government ranks and, as I understand it, elements of the government may well have consulted with others about the bill. Having said that, it would be fair to say that a huge, wide-ranging community debate about different approaches to this issue has taken place over some months and, undoubtedly, the minister, the government and the cabinet would have availed themselves of all those views and opinions that have been so freely expressed throughout the community.