Christopher Back (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I have to take issue with what the minister said in reference to me—I will not take issue with her on what she said in reference to others. I have sat for as many hours as possible because I want to avail myself of all information pertaining to this legislation. The minister has acted with great propriety, and it is disappointing that she would decide to make personal attacks on the motivation of somebody who has sat here wanting to understand it. The Liberal Party is not a rabble. The Liberal Party is indicating what its responsibility in this Senate is under the requirements of the founding fathers who wrote the Constitution. Those who wrote the Constitution made it very clear, particularly for those from smaller states, that we would represent the interests of our states—not an electorate and not a political party—and the wider community in this place, particularly on issues that were contentious. There has probably never been another issue more contentious than this one to come before this Senate. It is pleasing that I have two of my Western Australian colleagues opposite me, because they too have that responsibility in terms of representing the state of Western Australia in this particular debate.