Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

The opposition would like to associate itself with the comments made by the Leader of the Government in the Senate around extending remote participation for this period of two weeks, acknowledging that there are border restrictions still in place in WA and quite widespread community transmission of COVID. However, we don't see remote participation as a permanent feature of the Senate and it should remain under review each sitting period. Our view is that people, if they are able to, should attend the Senate in person. It has served a purpose during these unprecedented times, but it is time limited, and senators should be aware that that is certainly the thinking of the opposition on this matter.