Jacinta Collins (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

It is the plan. The government themselves have highlighted this point. The object of this filthy deal is to prevent new players from entering the Senate, thereby entrenching the electoral dominance of existing players. The principal beneficiary of this new voting system will be the Liberal Party, which traditionally receives a high primary vote. The Liberal Party's motivation for supporting this legislation is to achieve lasting electoral dominance in the Senate for the conservative parties and over time a lasting Senate majority in their own right.

Senator Xenophon sees this as his best chance to increase his own representation in this place and I do not think he is making any pretences there.

Honourable senators interjecting—

The CHAIRMAN: Senator Collins, resume your seat.

Honourable senators interjecting—

The CHAIRMAN: Senator Collins.