George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Ludlam, I do not know about that; I have not discussed it with the deputy chair. The point I make to you is that this is not—I do not have the liberty under that standing order to, by my own unilateral decision, take the course that you have recommended. This is not up to me alone, so I am not in a position in which I am able to do that. I am neither the author of the standing orders nor am I a member of the committee, so my hands are tied.

And I am not making an insinuation of the kind you suggest; I merely point out that this much, much scrutinised bill, which had its genesis more than two years ago, has been one of the most exhaustively scrutinised pieces of legislation that I can remember in my time in this parliament, and it is now quite urgent for reasons that we all understand. And frankly I think, given that your party, Senator, has circulated a number of amendments, that you would be eager to get on with the debate.