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

Can I just quickly respond to thank the opposition, the Greens and other senators, and indeed all stakeholders, for their co-operation in this, which was a legislative exercise that we had not anticipated would be required, but our friends in the Federal Court made a determination that did need a response, in our view. The fact that we have been able to come to a landing, as we have, with unanimity breaking out around the chamber, is once again an excellent reflection on the way that this chamber in fact can and does do business. As a result, you can be assured it will not be reported in the media that we were all in heated agreement in this place, because all they like to do in the media is report the conflicts when sometimes we let ourselves down. But this is one example where the parliament has done itself and the people a great service by being able to come to a resolution. I thank all honourable senators for their contribution and assistance in allowing us to resolve this matter.

The CHAIRMAN: The amendments before the chair are government amendments (1) to (7). That will require two questions. The first question is that amendments (1), (2), (4), (5) and (7) be agreed to.

Question agreed to.

The CHAIRMAN: The question now is that items 2 and 7 in schedule 1 stand as printed.

Question negatived.

The CHAIRMAN: The question now is that the bill as amended be agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

Bill reported with amendments; report adopted.