Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I have enormous regard for Senator Di Natale. I want to put this in context: I will not support a gag motion on the substantive merits of a bill—that is, the debate of a bill and the committee stages of a bill. I have been absolutely consistent on that in the eight years that I have been here. I have been consistent in relation to that. It allows the Senate to scrutinise legislation. This motion, which is a procedural motion, will in effect allow for all senators to contribute to the debate on this bill. It is not satisfactory, Senator Di Natale—through you, Mr President—but it would be less satisfactory not to deal with a number of amendments—