Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I also rise this evening before the adjournment debate to make some comments on the Health Insurance Amendment (Bonded Medical Programs Reform) Bill 2019. Before I go to the substantive matter I want to reflect on some comments that Senator Roberts made. Senator Roberts shared with the Senate chamber a scorecard for human progress when it comes to respecting and upholding civil liberties. I'm not too sure I agree with Senator Roberts. On a number of scores he talked about things going backwards. There was an important score that he failed to mention, and it goes to the heart of this bill and to the heart of regional representation in this chamber. It goes to the backwards performance of the Australian Labor Party in Queensland. I make this contribution knowing full well that Senator Watt is in the chamber tonight.