Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

We were not in government for a significant part of that time, Senator Siewert. I do not have a date or a time line that I can advise you on. Obviously, the government is keen to ensure that the native title system works effectively, which is why these amendments have been brought forward. I am not able to give you a precise date on which the Attorney will sit down and look at this issue. I have given you an indication about his intentions. If I may say—and you may disagree—in the period that Mr McClelland has been Attorney-General, there clearly has been a willingness to consider these issues and to bring forward these amendments and to consult on them. I would ask that you take not comfort from that but perhaps take note of that approach. I am sure, Senator Siewert, if you remain in the Senate, you will continue to ensure that these matters are brought to the government’s attention.

Question put:

That the amendment (Senator Siewert’s) be agreed to.