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

I'm happy to withdraw it, if that assists, and to listen to your advice carefully, Deputy President.

This discussion, really, is not about the kinds of propositions that One Nation advances in terms of these issues. I think we've all given up on them being a place of moderation, of the national interest and of the interests of ordinary families. But it is a test of what passes for what used to be the centre-right party in Australian politics but is now more extreme than it has ever been and more far-right than it has ever been. These questions of gender identity are questions that are deeply personal for individuals, particularly children. What is required by this is where words hurt and words matter. It's done with deliberate forethought and understanding of the consequences that this has for ordinary people and ordinary families out there. It is utterly damaging, and it ought to stop.

What should this Senate be focusing on this week? We have a bill in here that will mean 10,000 more low-income Australians will be able to buy their own homes. The Future Made in Australia Bill, which should be dealt with in this place, will mean that we will rebuild Australian manufacturing. What does the party of the supposed centre-right of Australian politics want to spend this week on? This stuff. It ought to stop, and you ought to focus on what actually matters for ordinary Australians.