Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I have listened closely to the debate and I was grateful for the very comprehensive explanation that Senator Brandis gave of the coalition’s amendment. I accept everything that Senator Brandis said in terms of what the intent was and in terms of the concerns within the coalition as to why this approach has been taken. On balance I feel uncomfortable with both amendments. I feel less uncomfortable with the government’s amendment for this reason: I am concerned that, in the context of the coalition’s amendment—and I accept all that Senator Brandis has said—there will be a distinction, a difference, a change in the way that de facto heterosexual couples have been described in this context. From my perspective, that tips the issue to support the government’s position. But I do see this as a difficult issue. It is a case of being less uncomfortable with the government’s position than with the coalition’s.