Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

None have been put forward thus far and that is why they do not want a debate because, if we have a debate the Palmer United Party would be forced to put up the evidence to suggest why we need this inquiry. But so shamed are they by the lack of any evidence that they are now seeking to run away from the debate, by simply saying, 'Let's deal with all this without a debate.'

Can I say that, in general terms, when this sort of motion for an inquiry is put up, an actual argument is put up as to why we need an inquiry. What are the circumstances? I understand that somebody did not get their wish in relation to a particular development in Queensland. I can understand the gentleman's disappointment. But that is a matter for him to pursue. If it was illegal in the courts—and I understand he has some understanding of how the court system works; he is not a stranger to that process and I would invite him to engage in that—or if he thinks it is a government not worthy of the people of Queensland, let him spend money in a campaign for the next election in Queensland.

I plead again, in these final seconds, especially to the Leader of the Opposition in this place and the Australian Labor Party: do not subvert the principles and the long-established precedents of this place to allow somebody to pursue a personal vendetta.