Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

As I had the great pleasure of informing this chamber yesterday—and I do so again today—we actually have genuine secret ballots in the Liberal Party party room. There is no show-and-tell to the factional war lord to say, 'This is how I voted and because I voted like this will you please guarantee my re-endorsement?' That is the way it works in the Labor Party. It is not the way that it works on this side of the chamber. We are honourable men and women and we trust each other with a secret ballot.

In relation to media reports that, allegedly, six ministers voted one way or another way, can I simply say to Senator Wong: it was a secret ballot. Nobody knows. There is speculation. So what? But can I ask, Mr President, whether the ventilation of this issue creates jobs in Australia, reduces the cost of living in Australia or helps create wealth for our nation? (Time expired)