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

I quite clearly indicated what my position was a few minutes ago. I thought I was handing the government an olive branch, but instead they have grabbed it and tried to whack me and my crossbench colleagues over the head with it. That is what they have done. There has been no consultation. It is an ambush. In good faith I indicated that I would not be supporting the opposition’s motion on the basis that there should be a chance for the business of the House to be dealt with in an orderly fashion, for there to be time to negotiate and discuss it further. The government, the opposition and my crossbench colleagues know very well what my attitude is to a vote on the CPRS Bill and the reasons for that and I do not think anyone could reasonably say that is filibustering. I regret Senator Joyce’s statements about that, but I will not be supporting this amendment to the motion, nor will I support the original motion.

Question negatived.