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

Senator Hanson-Young, once again may I remind you that you do not have a monopoly on virtue. Every member of this Senate, every member of this chamber, is as horrified—

Senator Hanson-Young interjecting—

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order, colleagues, the minister is on his feet.

Senator Hanson-Young, would you mind not screaming. You have raised a very important issue, and I am explaining why the government will not be supporting your amendment. I would appreciate the courtesy of being listened to in silence. Senator Hanson-Young, every senator feels as strongly about the issue of child abuse as you do—every single senator. The reason the government is not supporting this amendment is that it has nothing to do with the bill. This bill is a functional bill that is merely declaratory of existing arrangements. The amendment that you have moved bears no relationship to the topic of the bill.