Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I largely echo the sentiments of Senator McKim. As I indicated when Senator Lambie sought leave, at that point we hadn't seen the documents. I understand there are a series of documents. I've been trying to look at them on my phone in the chamber in the time since. At a superficial level, I would imagine that if they are public documents and they serve the case that you are seeking to make, Senator Lambie, we would be in a position in the next little while to grant leave. But we do just need long enough to actually have a glance at the documents.

We have nothing but respect for the passion and focus that you bring to these issues. We do understand and appreciate that and in no way seek to impede your ability to prosecute that. We don't always agree, but we certainly respect the approach that you bring and the conviction that you have attached to these matters. So we will not be supporting the suspension at this time for the reasons that Senator McKim has outlined, but we certainly will give it prompt consideration and I indicate that we will come back to you. I would anticipate that, barring any problems with the documents, we should be in a position to grant that leave.