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

by leave—I would like to make a very short statement on behalf of the Democrats. I want to put on the record that the Democrats supported this reference and that, regardless of what some people may think of the motivations in relation to this reference, I am satisfied that Senator Nettle has pursued due process in getting the issue to this point. I also think there are some incredibly important outstanding questions and I am absolutely confident, as I am sure other colleagues are—those who have read the Hansard or looked at Senate estimates and other proceedings—that there are some stark and clear contradictions that need to be resolved, and I look forward to seeing them resolved. For that reason we gladly, and more graciously than some, supported the motion.