Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

The government doesn't support the amendment. We did move and cooperate with the opposition, as referenced by Senator McAllister, in the House to extend and strengthen consultation requirements in relation to the minister's priority list. Obviously, that is not an exhaustive outcome in terms of who could be consulted—and no doubt would be consulted, we believe—beyond those specified. It's appropriate to keep flexibility there. For example, in the case of local governments it may be that a large number need consulting on some measures, a smaller number on other measures, and ministers of the day ought to have the flexibility to get the best possible policy outcomes through consultation.

The CHAIR: The question is that the amendment on sheet 1071, moved by Senator Whish-Wilson, be agreed to.