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

I would like to make a brief statement by leave. I understand that, having moved the motion, I am not necessarily entitled to speak further.

Leave granted.

I thank the Senate. I indicate to Senator Stott Despoja that, as Senator Ludwig indicated, this is a matter of some urgency. I understand that some hundreds of summonses could be impacted by the potential difficulty that is being confronted, as well as a lot of investigations et cetera. That is why it is urgent. There is an urgency in relation to it being introduced here—going to the House of Representatives and then back here. Having said all that, what I will undertake to do is to seek how we can change it within the legislative timetable to give some more time to the senators who want more time. Without making any promises, I undertake to approach the Attorney-General and the Minister for Justice and Customs to see what can be done.