Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I do not have any detailed briefing on this issue because, as I say, it is not subject to the bill. This is a wide-ranging discussion that is not contained in the bill. But I understand—if the officers are accurate—that those statistics came in very soon after the system was introduced, and we think that there have been developments. I will see if there are any more up-to-date statistics available. I do not think that we have any to hand, but I will see if there is anything we can help you with.

I understand that those statistics were produced about six months after the system started. The exemptions regime is administered by Centrelink, but there is nothing in the bill which seeks to address the exemptions regime. You say that there ought to be, and that is obviously a question for you if you want to move an amendment; but it is not subject to the bill or to tonight's debate.