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

Senator Fawcett is one of those senators very respected by both sides because he came into this place with a genuine background in matters of defence. So when he speaks, it would be fair to say that a lot of people listen. Similarly, when he writes, a lot of people read and take good measure of that which he is suggesting.

The government is in the process of determining its position, and it is quite appropriate for people with particular expertise in the parliament to give us and the community the benefit of their opinions through op eds in newspapers or by making speeches. People from all sides do that. Does that mean that, as of necessity, it becomes government policy? Of course it does not. We have people freelancing on ideas and views from the Australian Labor Party as well, like those Labor Party senators that did not want a carbon tax and who knew they had been elected on a no-carbon-tax policy.

I simply say that Senator Fawcett is a highly regarded senator whose views should be taken into account and will be taken into account, but government policy will be determined on this in due course.