Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Polley interjects and says that we introduced Work Choices. Yes, we admit our mistake. We acknowledge what the Australian people have said. But there was never an argument about this between us, Senator Polley—between you and me, Labor and Liberal. Throughout the extensive hearings undertaken by the Senate committee into this, at which there was Green representation, this issue was never raised. Even in the minority report it was never raised. But the government is willing to sell its soul in relation to this matter for Greens support to do conscientious objection in the eye. Can I just reflect that it is a very, very sad day in Australian industrial history that that sort of bipartisanship, which has lasted half a century, is now out the window.

However, we on this side rely on the good judgment of Senators Xenophon and Fielding to ensure that this is defeated. It is interesting to note that the minister was able to tell us about deals that have been done or nearly done with Senators Xenophon and Fielding. Good. I just put on the record that Mr Keenan wrote to Ms Gillard and phoned Ms Gillard and offered a similar approach to this legislation to discuss issues. He was completely and utterly ignored by the minister.