Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

As is usual, the government does not accept the premise or the construction of the motion of Senator Whish-Wilson, but I must admit that I was, before the moving of this motion, beseeched by a Tasmanian colleague to make a few observations. But I think I have now been beseeched by all my colleagues to make this observation: we should not forget the Australia Greens remain the recipient of the largest ever single donation from an individual in Australian political history. A $1.68 million donation from Mr Graeme Wood was negotiated by the then leader of the Australian Greens, Mr Bob Brown, who was quoted in The Age newspaper on 8 January 2011, saying he would be 'forever grateful'. Mr Wood said that when the Greens win and gain the balance of power that would probably be a good return on investment.

Honourable senators interjecting—