Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

As per my previous comments on the previous amendment that was moved by the Greens that had a similar intent as this amendment that's been moved by the Labor Party, we believe it is unnecessary. We take on board the comments made by both senators in relation to the certainty and surety that they're seeking by this, but I would once again reiterate that, in trying to embed that level of certainty, you actually create a level of rigidity into the legislative instrument, removing the flexibility that we were so clearly trying to have with this to make sure that the secretary has the flexibility to be able to move when particular circumstances of people are outside the normal circumstances that most people find themselves in when they're paid either weekly or fortnightly. It's always been a longstanding position of the government, and we believe that it's consistent with best practice by making sure that we use the appropriate instruments to embed the particular issues in. In this instance, we once again believe that the social services guide is the appropriate place for the definitions to be included because it does allow that flexibility for unanticipated issues when they arise. Whilst we certainly acknowledge the intent of this, we believe that it would be far better delivered with that information contained in the social services guide, so we don't support this amendment.

Question agreed to.