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

I wish to accept Senator Patrick's invitation for an explanation of Labor's approach to his amendments. Of course Labor fully supports the principles in the amendments Senator Patrick has circulated. I know that this is something that Senator Patrick has been concerned about for some time. Indeed, we've cooperated in this chamber to try to get this outcome in different bills. Unfortunately, the government consistently resist this proposition—for reasons best known to them.

Why is it that large private companies are not subject to ordinary transparency measures? Why is it that the government persist in this protection racket, this grandfathering arrangement, that they seem totally unable to walk away from? It's part of an ongoing culture of secrecy. It's a depressing indictment on their approach to government in general.

Unfortunately, we have seen amendments of this kind that are passed in this chamber be rejected in the other place. I have indicated throughout this debate that we do not want to see this bill held up. We know that there are television producers depending on the passage of this bill. It's on that basis that we did indicate to Senator Patrick that on this occasion we would not have been in a position to support his amendments had he moved them.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

Bill reported with amendments; report adopted.