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

I assure Senator Macdonald that I maintain my position. I am concerned that the requested amendments are simply too prescriptive. I admire the intent, but I believe they are simply too prescriptive. I will not go through all the matters that have been raised previously. But, for example, what does ‘substantial harmonisation’ mean? Request (2)(c), for instance, says:

(c) the type of rest areas constructed, their spacing and amenities are consistent with the goal …

That is too prescriptive. That is my concern. My favourite phrase for the day is: let’s cut to the chase. The fact is that what is going to happen here is that we are going to see a substantial increase in expenditure for truck stops in this country as a result, in part, of this road user charge. That has to be a good thing. I commend Senator Fielding for his work on this and for ensuring that there will be an assessment of it in three years time. I respect Senator Macdonald’s arguments but I cannot support request (4) moved in his name.