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

I'd just like to get on record in terms of the minister's response that there is perhaps a little bit of confusion here. The five-year review that's been put into this legislation refers to what we're passing today, which I think all senators have acknowledged only partially reflects the PJC report and the good work that was done by this chamber and the other place. Our review very specifically refers to a rewards scheme. We would have liked to have seen that included in the detail today, along with many of the other the recommendations in that review. We've actually had plenty of time to do this, let's be honest. Senator Patrick, I understand that you personally agree with a rewards scheme and the concept of it, and I'm sure you do too, Senator O'Neill. So let's not gild the lily here. This is an opportunity to make sure that, for any future government—maybe your government, Senator O'Neill, rather than the minister's government, but whichever government it is in a year or two's time—there is a specific date set aside that will at least compel a review into a rewards scheme. Hopefully there are other avenues by which we can do that, but we felt like this was at least a half-measure that would be effective in this legislation today.