Christopher Back (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

This is a total and utter abuse of process. Senator Macdonald suggested earlier in the day that we let question time go so this matter could be debated, and those on the other side all said no. I have to say to those who said on national television this morning that they would not allow a gag, this is a very disappointing situation—Senator Xenophon, on three occasions. I am interested to hear what Senator Whish-Wilson will have to say about this and what Senator Xenophon, Senator Lambie and Senator Muir will have to say about it. Only in the last few minutes have we learnt from Senator Cormann what the reality of this whole situation is. We all knew that these new conditions were going to be imposed on the big banks, yes, and on the small financial advisers, but did we know it was Mr Shorten's intention that the industry super funds be exempted from this? We did not. Nobody wants to avoid a full debate on this question. That is exactly what those opposite want. Each and every one of us wants to speak in full on this question. Those opposite should not think for a minute that they have some mortgage on the interests of small investors or others. They have not.

Senator Cameron interjecting—

Senator Cameron does do not have such a mortgage, and neither does anyone else in this place. This afternoon we are being told that we cannot defer this matter until Thursday of next week. Senator Wong is the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and she should be standing up and saying, 'I agree that every member of the Senate should have the opportunity to debate the issue.' Those opposite are going to stop that this afternoon. Now we have heard why Senator Xenophon and his merry band want this rushed through today. There could have been an opportunity for everybody to have their say on it by next Thursday—something that Senator Cormann tried to move in this place but it was gagged, it was knocked down; something that Senator Macdonald today tried to bring before this chamber, that we would forgo question time, but, no, we were told we could not do that—but all of a sudden, right in the middle of it all, Saint Clair—I mean Senator—Moore, who I thought was the subject of great credit this morning from Senator Bernardi, arises half way through question time, denying Senator Day his opportunity to ask his question—

Opposition senators: Oh!

Don't 'Oh' about it—these are important principles and rights. When this motion comes to a vote, I urge those who have changed their position to reflect on their decision and to vote no. We have the right, and we should have the opportunity—all of us—to have our say on these matters. If the legislation is inconclusive, if it is not yet adequate, if it needs amendment, if it needs improvement, let us all have the opportunity both to hear the arguments and to contribute to that debate. But let us not have this hypocrisy where this person over here tries to claim the moral high ground—

Senator Cameron interjecting—

I will argue any time you like, Senator Cameron, but I want that opportunity. I want the opportunity to argue it. I do not want to be gagged as we have been gagged again and again today. I am against the motion.