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

I indicate that I will be supporting Australian Greens amendment (R19) moved by Senator Ludlam. In terms of the primacy of access agreements, I think what this amendment is intending to do is desirable in the scheme of things. I think it enhances what is being proposed by the bill. It is interesting that Senator Conroy said that it was a tough call in relation to this amendment. I appreciate his frankness in relation to that.

It seems inevitable that this amendment will be defeated but can the government indicate how it will deal, on an ongoing basis, with some of the concerns raised about this. Will there be some formal monitoring? Will there be a process of review in relation to this whole issue of primacy of access agreements? I appreciate the minister’s candour in indicating that it was a tough call and that it is complex, but given the substantial merits of this amendment moved by Senator Ludlam I wonder how those concerns can be facilitated in some constructive way and with some due process.