Bob Katter (Kennedy, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

The lovely thing about being an Independent in this place is that you run against both parties at the next election and you can voice your opinions on both of them at the next election. I would hope that the ALP will take a different view when the bill goes to the Senate, where their actions have more bite. There has not been a single argument put up to defend this clause. I would hate to go to the people at the next election having had my name attached to this clause, but my name will not be attached. I point out to the House that both of my Independent colleagues are not here—and I am not blaming anyone for this, but we just received information that this is coming on tomorrow. I am certain that I speak for them when I say that they would trenchantly oppose this proposal. I am not too sure about what happens in this case, but I most certainly wish my vote to be recorded in the negative if, in fact, I am not able to divide the House on this issue.

Question negatived.

I ask that my vote is recorded.

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