Jan McLucas (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Ageing, Disabilities and Carers) Share this | Hansard source

I indicate that the Labor Party, consistent with practice, will be supporting this amendment. Whilst we have had the view over the question of discrimination against same-sex couples that we wanted to have a comprehensive response to that issue—and we would do that if we were fortunate enough to gain government in this country—in this case we will support this amendment from Senator Allison. While I have the opportunity, I ask the minister: where is the logic that says that the teeth of an individual are the responsibility of the state and yet the health of the rest of the body of the individual is the responsibility of the Commonwealth?