Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I would also like to acknowledge Senator Madigan for bringing this motion before the Senate. I would like to acknowledge all those who have joined us in the public gallery and apologise on behalf of the Senate that the major parties do not believe this chamber has the maturity to debate an important motion. It may well be complex but it is extremely important that these issues are aired in the Australian Senate. I would have thought that we could have at least done Senator Madigan the courtesy of a vote and a debate if necessary. Again, I acknowledge Senator Madigan for bringing this matter forward and think that the Australian parliament needs to look at its procedures when these sorts of issues come forward so that we do have the maturity to debate them and put them to a vote if necessary.