Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Hansard source

There is one very simple answer as to why it has taken so long. Those on the opposite side would suggest that that is a negative. In fact, something I was able to say earlier today in a debate with Senator Ludwig was that we as a government pride ourselves on the basis of the degree of consultation that we have with the community at large. So when we delay, from time to time, we use that delay, so-called, to consult. It is more important that we get these things right as opposed to abiding by some artificial timetable. The other thing that is very interesting in Senator O’Brien’s question is that he talked about all the coalition members agitating for this horticultural code of conduct. Not a single Labor member’s name was mentioned. We know where the interest in this topic is: it is on this side of the chamber. Those on that side simply use it for political purposes.