Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Leader in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

In its extreme. We talk about sensitivity; well, describing a child as a ‘product’ is just very much devaluing the concept of a child and of being a child. I look at that and I think that something is terribly wrong there.

I would like to conclude my comments by putting on the public record the importance of marriage as an institution in Australia. Marriage is a unique institution in our society and it is one that we as senators and members of the Australian parliament should do everything in our power to protect, and ensure that it is supported, encouraged and backed up in every way, shape and form. The package of bills that are now before us has afforded me the opportunity to express my views on the sanctity and uniqueness of marriage and the very important role that it plays in Australia. Marriage is a very important institution not only for the traditional Anglo-Saxon culture in this country but also for so many others in our culturally diverse community. It is the important umbrella institution which helps to nurture children in an environment where they can grow and prosper. Indeed, the traditional form of marriage in my view provides the best form of security in our society. I know that some of those opposite do not share that view but I know that it is a view that is shared by so many. Often people talk about the silent majority in this country. I think that the silent majority in this country would agree about the sanctity of marriage and the sanctity of what is the traditional family. Like Senator Bernardi, I too stand for the traditional definition of marriage and for the traditional definition of the family.