Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Banking and Financial Services) Share this | Hansard source

I understand I do not need leave, because the minister has already spoken. I have some sympathy for Senator Bob Brown’s concern. The government is in charge of the program. However, we are in a situation and circumstance where we need to be understanding. This is effectively the ricochet impact of deferring the family law legislation. In the circumstances of Senator Fielding being ill, we have to be reasonable. As a consequence, the running sheet for the legislation is not ready. It would be simply impractical to continue in those circumstances. Consequently, I can confirm that the Labor opposition has agreed to deal with Tax Laws Amendment (2006 Measures No. 1) Bill 2006.

It is not an ideal situation, Senator Brown. However, we think that in the circumstances it is reasonable. It would be unreasonable for us to pull up stumps now. We have given a commitment to sit through to 11 tonight—or whatever the time is—so we are working overtime for a couple of hours. That is all part of our responsibilities when the circumstances that I have outlined arise. We are prepared to go on with Tax Laws Amendment (2006 Measures No. 1) Bill 2006 in the circumstances.