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

I do not support the bill that is the subject of this discharge motion. Like Senators Hume, Kovacic and a number of my colleagues, I would not and will not ever vote for this bill or any measures that restrict women's reproductive rights. However, the coalition opposes this motion because this motion is a threat to the ability of private senators to perform their duties in this place. Private senators' bills have traditionally only ever been discharged by the sponsoring senator, rather than the majority denying a senator the right to even have their bill considered. Crossbench senators in particular should reflect on the precedent this motion sets, which could see other bills discharged just because a majority oppose them. Given that this bill has been on the Notice Paper for almost two years, the decision of the Greens to pursue this at this time is clearly about politics, not the substantive issue. The Greens did not oppose the introduction of the bill, the first reading of the bill or the Senate referral of the bill.

In fact, frankly, until today, they've spent more time opposing transmission lines inquiries than this bill. Senators, whatever your views on the substance, I urge you to respect the principle of allowing each other to at least have bills debated and considered, by voting against this discharge motion.