Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to indicate that the government will be opposing these amendments. We had, I think, quite a good discussion yesterday, and I thank Senator Rice and the Australian Greens for moving this section as a block in terms of the efficiency of this debate. I did indicate yesterday, but won't now indicate at length, that this is a $9½ billion commitment from the Commonwealth government. I understand that the Australian Greens party is arguing for a larger commitment, but that is the size of the government's commitment. It is a very substantial commitment that will make a difference to very many people who are the recipients of these payments.