Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

We're debating this piece of legislation now in committee stage because one member of this chamber changed their position in favour of allowing the government's agenda to continue. That of course was Senator Griff. He is not here. He didn't bother to vote on the second reading amendment. He has left the building tonight. He's not here to debate the details of this bill. Rebekha Sharkie, the member for Mayo, and Senator Griff, Centre Alliance, were both clearly on the record opposing this piece of legislation. South Australians should be very aware that this is not the first time that Centre Alliance—Rebekha Sharkie, the member for Mayo, and Senator Griff—have said one thing one week and done another thing days later, to the detriment of the Australian community.

Only a couple of months ago Centre Alliance voted with the government in an attack on universities and university students. Now, on Christmas Eve, we have a gutless stunt by Rebekha Sharkie and Senator Stirling Griff—

The CHAIR: Senator Hanson-Young, I think you're aware that you need to refer to Senator Sharkie—

I was just about to correct myself. On the eve of Christmas, in the last sitting of this parliament, we've had the member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, and Senator Stirling Griff gutlessly allowing this piece of legislation—which they opposed in the House of Representatives and which they told the Australian community they did not support—to pass and to have a detrimental effect on those who have for years argued with members in this place to change this awful, awful system. It is detrimental to the lives of these people. It does have a disproportionate impact on First Nations communities. And, despite all the promises that have been made, Centre Alliance is now just allowing the government to do what they want.

The member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, is quickly being known as someone you just can't trust. You can't trust her word on anything. Centre Alliance say one thing in Adelaide and another thing in Canberra. They say one thing on Monday and do another thing on Wednesday night. Their word is useless. They don't tell the truth when it comes to what their agenda is. They don't disclose the deals they do with this government. And they come into this place and purport to argue for transparency and accountability. Their word is mud. You can't trust them. You shouldn't vote for them. And they should not be protected.

The CHAIR: Senator Hanson-Young, please resume your seat. Senator Hanson?