Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Macdonald says, 'How can you enforce it?' If it's in legislation, then it must be followed. If it's good enough to have it in the editorial guidelines of the ABC, it should be good enough to have it in legislation.

I still see a raised eyebrow, Mr Acting Deputy President, so let me try and provide further reassurance to you and colleagues. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance Journalist Code of Ethics mentions fairness on no less than six occasions. So, if it's good enough for the MEAA and the Journalist Code of Ethics and good enough for the ABC's current editorial guidelines, it's good enough for me. I wanted to provide that reassurance that we are only endeavouring to do things to support the ABC.

Senator Wong also spoke of the management of the chamber. Yes, we do have a different approach to those opposite—and Senator Macdonald will correct me—it might have been something like 65 bills guillotined without any debate.