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

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave granted.

I acknowledge the statement by the Leader of the Government in the Senate. As the opposition have made clear all day, it is our desire to see this bill passed and for it to pass today. We also made clear that it was our expectation that amendments would have to be considered. I note that the government blocked consideration of any amendments in the House of Representatives. Thankfully, the Senate is at least a place where such amendments can be put. The opposition, despite having only seen this bill at seven this morning, when we were first briefed, have worked quickly. It is remarkable that the government, thankfully, is willing to engage in this discussion and to support the opposition's amendments, which we welcome, and we will work constructively to see the bill's passage, as we committed to.