Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Milne for her question. It covers a range of issues, but can I say that the government has made positive announcements about the legislation about protecting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status. These are very important reforms that the Greens should support. They go to the heart of how we can promote the principles of fairness, equity and equality that the Labor Party stands for, and you would want the Greens also to come on board in respect of this, and I expect the opposition also adopt this same view on these issues.

What we also have done: the current exceptions for religious bodies in relation to employment, education and the provision of services have been in place for around 30 years and they will continue under this specific bill. I think people missed this point but, for the benefit of the Greens, Minister Butler conducted extensive consultations regarding amendments to the discrimination—

Senator Milne interjecting—

I do expect you want to hear the answer to the question, Senator Milne—exemption in aged-care service provision. This remains the government's policy, and the Attorney-General will work with Minister Butler to consider how this policy is best progressed. No government has done more to wind back discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status, but always we must strike the right balance.