Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I will make the observation that on occasion, just every now and then, we expect the government to rise to the task of actually trying to deliver for the Australian people, instead of playing political games and trying to get petty wins in this place. Now, that may prove to be optimistic—some would say the triumph of hope over experience—but I had thought, on this occasion, the minister might be willing to engage with the chamber on a matter that appears to be of interest to the whole chamber. I have, in fact, brought this amendment forward in this debate in good faith. And I bring it forward because I know that there are many, many people out there who are looking for an answer, who are looking for a solution and who don't want to be exploited any further; they want a remedy. That's actually what acting in good faith on behalf of your community looks like. I don't understand why the people who look to be represented by the opposition can't expect some kind of dialogue with the minister responsible for this issue.