Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his supplementary question. I apologise for the fact that the government decision-making process is not driven by the senator’s timetable and time left in the Senate, although it is an important consideration. But these are important matters, and we have indicated our real commitment to try and resolve and work through them. I do not think that saying all groups should be treated the same and, if you give one apology, you ought to apologise to everybody who might have had similarly bad experiences is the way forward. It is important to engage with the issues of the particular group and see what the solutions are, what support services there are and what is the best way of trying to provide some support, comfort and some resolution to the issues. That is what we are doing in a very serious way. I think it is important that it be done properly and seriously and, once the government has reached a conclusion on that, we will certainly be making that decision known. I am sure, Senator Murray, your advocacy will not end with your term in the Senate.