Sarah Henderson (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'll take that interjection. Senator McKim says I didn't. Well, in fact I did. I gave some very cogent reasons that not in every respect was the legal advice accepted by the coalition members. It is quite hypocritical of Senator McKim to criticise coalition members of this committee for not accepting the legal advice in all respects, and he's made these comments on two occasions in this place and also to The Guardian, when in fact with this report all committee members—and I say this subject to there not being a dissenting report—appeared to have not accepted the legal advice in all respects and of course have determined that it is proportionate and that it is proper that the rights of people with disability in this case prevail such that the measure is proportionate.

So I do want to state very clearly my disappointment, particularly at the comments Senator McKim has made. I have a lot of personal respect for Senator McKim, but I am very, very disappointed that he would reflect on my motives in such a way, including in making what I think are some completely disgraceful comments. Determining what is proportionate is not a black and white exercise, and I also say this in relation to Senator Green's contribution. It is a matter of judgement, and in this report we are continuing to do that. (Extension of time granted)This conclusion demonstrates that it is correct and proper that the committee reaches its own conclusions without fear or favour, and under my chairmanship we will continue to do so. I encourage all parliamentarians to carefully consider the committee's analysis, and with these comments I commend the report to the chamber. Thank you very much.

Question agreed to.