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

First of all,

Senator Cameron interjecting—

I thought that might get the reaction that it did. More seriously, in fairness, it would be a response by the Seacare Authority to me as minister, and, with respect, not to the opposition. But this space has been, as I understand it, relatively uncontroversial and bipartisan, and I do not think there would be any big political gains to be achieved one way or the other. There has been a degree of unity, which I welcome with this legislation, but in fairness I think the authority's responsibility would be to report to me as opposed to the opposition. Be assured, if there are issues that are brought to my attention, it makes good sense, if I might say as we did with this legislation, to engage in discussion and correspond with the opposition, the Greens and the crossbenchers to see if we can resolve these matters. Of course, I hope they will never arise, but, if certain matters were to arise, we would resolve them quickly.