Brendan O'Connor (Gorton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to make some comments on the National Health Amendment (Immunisation) Bill 2006 and also to support the amendment moved by the shadow minister for health. I heard the Chief Government Whip comment on the record of the Howard government in relation to vaccination. I understand it is the obligation of a chief government whip to do all things in this place to provide the government some cover, as he did in that speech. Indeed, his own attendance and his wanting to get on to the speakers list shows that he is aware—as you would expect other government members would be aware—that the government are failing to turn up and speak on very important matters, including the National Health Amendment—

See this speech in context