Senate debates
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Appropriation (Nation Building and Jobs) Bill (No. 1) 2008-2009 [No. 2]; Appropriation (Nation Building and Jobs) Bill (No. 2) 2008-2009 [No. 2]; Household Stimulus Package Bill (No. 2) 2009; Tax Bonus for Working Australians Bill (No. 2) 2009; Tax Bonus for Working Australians (Consequential Amendments) Bill (No. 2) 2009; Commonwealth Inscribed Stock Amendment Bill 2009 [No. 2]
In Committee
11:39 am
Bob Brown (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source
Yesterday, not much later than this time, the Senate reached an impasse. The Greens had negotiated with the government a $½ billion package with a massive job dividend in it; however, Senator Xenophon voted against it. There have been 24 hours to reconsider.
I am now feeling very pleased at having moved that we come back today rather than wait two chaotic weeks, which would have done this country no good whatsoever. I did say yesterday that I hoped that the government—and maybe Senator Xenophon as well—could make some concession. The outcome is a great win for the Murray-Darling Basin. There is no doubt about that. In a way I do not think Senator Xenophon is going to mind me saying that that is built on the foundation that the Greens have had here—
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