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

Okay, so that is the issue of the letter.

In terms of the issues that Senator Brown went through, which are contained in the letter, and whether there is authorisation for expenditures in the legislation we are considering—no, there is not. There would be future legislation with respect to the matters he has outlined. For that reason there are preliminary costings being done, but I cannot give a detailed costing because that will be developed with the legislation, where legislation is required. And I am informed that, at this stage, with those preliminary costings, it is approximately revenue neutral. It is not intended by the amendments—if the second amendment is approved by the Senate—to save money; it is approximately neutral. That is the approach that has been taken. I have already indicated the need for fiscal rectitude.

Senator Abetz has made a point about the opposition’s focus on debt levels. I have made a number of points during this committee stage debate. I certainly do not intend at this point in time to repeat parts of that debate. I hope that we will move to a vote on the amendments before the chair.

I understand Senator Xenophon is to move his amendment. I do intend to make some remarks on behalf of the government with respect to the Murray-Darling Basin. I can indicate on behalf of the government that we are narrowing down our contributions.