Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you for that question, Senator Rhiannon. Again, the government's preference—it has been since we first introduced this legislation a number of years ago—was to have the relevant provisions of the original bill commence following gazettal. It is a fact that the government does not have the numbers in the Senate and therefore we need to negotiate passage of legislation. Last year we were able to negotiate passage of the legislation and the benefits of that legislation through the Senate. However, we were also given an opportunity—and I do not know about you, Senator Rhiannon, but I am someone who is always looking to improve what the government can do. We are now in a position whereby we can improve on our first attempt, and that is what we are doing.