Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I just want to note for the chamber that it is five past two in the morning and we still have nearly 38 amendments before the chair. Some of them need to be debated and discussed in detail. We acknowledge that. For those people who are still awake and listening, tweeting and watching, this is the process that we go through in the Senate when we scrutinise a bill and very important legislation like this. What I would like to say is very simple.

Senator Conroy interjecting—

I will not take very long, if you will just give me a moment's peace, Senator Conroy.

Senator Conroy interjecting—

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order on my left! Let the speaker be heard.

I think the Senate should actually deal with the substantive legislation in front of us. Let's get on with what the taxpayers of Australia are paying us to do. Let's get on with what the taxpayers in this country are paying us to do, and that is to be adults and parliamentarians and to pass laws in this country. By all means, let's have an adult and mature discussion about the question in front of us. The Greens welcome the input of all senators of all political colours on this bill because it is important. We have weeks ahead of us to get through this. Let's start with a substantive debate and let's get off the grubby politics. I think the Australian people are sick of it and actually want their parliamentarians to grow up and do what they got put into parliament to do—pass good laws on their behalf.