Andrew Murray (WA, Australian Democrats) Share this | Hansard source

I do not want to prolong the debate, because I hope we get to a division before question time, but I want to make three points. The first point is that I would caution anyone against ascribing motives in this place. I am aware that, within the Labor Party and their caucus, there have intense debates and different opinions about many matters, and my information is that they have had some contested views on this bill. But I do not ascribe to them a weak belief with respect to Trade Practices Act amendments; they are on the record in quite a formidable manner in that regard.

The second point I would make is on the amendment itself. Whilst I recognise that the criticisms of the shadow minister have some validity, the great saving point of the amendment is that it actually leaves the detail of management to the Oilcode; the detail can be developed and the practical measures can be introduced through the Oilcode.

My third and last point is that I see this as a holding proposal until such time as the Labor Party are in power and can introduce divestiture provisions—because, of course, once you have divestiture provisions you have proper market management and you then do not have to hold to particular percentages in the market as a whole. So, recognising the validity of some of the criticisms, overall the Democrats think that both the intent and the design are sufficient for us to support this proposal.