Bob Brown (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I hope this motion does get passed. Clearly, it would be a good outcome—if there is to be a change—if that could be negotiated in the next 12 to 24 hours rather than in the next two weeks. Even the opposition agrees that a package is required to help save this economy from going into recession. But let me say this, Mr President: this is not putting pressure simply on Senator Xenophon, who is already under great pressure; this is putting very definite pressure on the Rudd government. There has to be some constructive meeting of grounds with Senator Xenophon if there is to be a resolution here. We Greens want to see that happen for two reasons: firstly, so that the package can be implemented and, secondly, for the sake of the Murray-Darling Basin, particularly the lower Murray. As the minister is here, I say, through you, Mr President, this is not just a case of sitting back and waiting for a proposal to come from Senator Xenophon in this case. I urge the government itself to make constructive headway towards an agreement or an ability to come to some resolution now with further discussions put in train. I hope this will lead to a resolution. If it does not, then, seeing the Senate is here and can meet tomorrow, we will have done the best we can.