Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I understand that he has not, so I will not talk to it any further. I understand the point that he makes and I understand what he would like to get the government to do. We would all like to get the government to do that but, unfortunately, I suspect that that is not a matter for the minister before us; it is a matter for the minister dealing with citizenship to bring that forward. It would be helpful if they could comply; however, that is a matter for the minister of the day to determine.

On the broader issue, I have noted Senator Bartlett’s position of being able to pursue both in Senate estimates and here an issue that you seek greater information on and I concur with that. It would be helpful if the minister did make it plain what the current position is. In any event, without the amendment having been moved, I indicate that Labor does not support the amendment that Senator Bartlett foreshadowed and, until he does move it, we will not need to formalise our position on it.

Progress reported.