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

Further to Senator Ludlam's very useful and pertinent contribution, there is another way of putting this that I think further diminishes the government's argument—and the coalition's argument for that matter. It is the same as a soldier who loses a limb. They are given a gold card because you can see their injury. It is no different for veterans who were injured by the nuclear tests; you just cannot see their injury, it is not so apparent. The effects are dormant, but they are there nonetheless. Given that these people have been exposed to the fallout from a nuclear test, from the British nuclear tests, and that they have this enormous risk of injury because of their exposure, this seems the only just way of doing it. Having said that, I am prepared for the vote. I am prepared for the outcome tonight, but I am not prepared to let this matter rest. Question put:

That the amendment (Senator Wright's) be agreed to.

The committee divided. [20:38]

(The Chairman—Senator Parry)

Question negatived.

Question put:

That the request (Senator Xenophon's) be agreed to.

The committee divided. [20:42]

(The Chairman—Senator Parry)

Question negatived.

Bill agreed to.

Bill reported without amendment; report adopted.