Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law) Share this | Hansard source

I can reaffirm that we have a commitment. It would best come from the minister, Senator Conroy, because that is a debate about which there has been constant questioning in the Senate. Frankly, it is not my responsibility to give those assurances; it is up to Senator Conroy on behalf of the government. But I can give those assurances. That is the purpose for the transfer of the funds. I am sure there will be a very lengthy debate about whatever is the outcome of the process that Senate Conroy is overseeing. I am sure there will be an extensive debate about that but I really do see that as a detailed debate to have on another day.

The blunt point I make is that we do not even get to that point, whenever that debate takes place, without the funds. I hope Senator Xenophon, in particular, takes note of what is taking place here. This is an attempt by the opposition to gut the funding so we do not even get to first base. This is an attempt by the former government, the Liberal opposition, a judgement having been cast by the Australian public at the last election—the coalition spent years and years struggling with this very issue and its failure was recognised by the Australian people—to override an election promise of the Australian Labor Party.