David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I move amendments (1) and (2) on sheet 2565:

(1) Schedule 1, item 3, page 4 (after line 15), at the end of subsection 46PSA(6), add:

; or (d) the other party is a small business.

(2) Schedule 1, item 3, page 4 (after line 15), after subsection 46PSA(6), insert:

(6A) For the purposes of this section, small business means a business with fewer than 20 full-time equivalent employees.

Minister, concerns have been raised in relation to respondents where there is not a symmetry of resources or power. I acknowledge Senator Scarr has been asking some questions about this. Examples put forward include university academics and small businesses. I heard your statement to Senator Lambie that there was not evidence to the committee inquiry that there will be increases to the cost of insurance. Senator Scarr pointed to evidence contradicting this. So I am asking: what guarantees can the government provide that there will not be a really problematic impact on very small businesses and employers who are individuals?