Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Could I just say at the outset that, if the opposition are not ready to go with their amendments, we might just adjourn rather than force Senator Fierravanti-Wells to speak at great length when we are in thunderous agreement. I think I have indicated that we are supporting the amendment, and the opposition have indicated they are supporting the amendment, for the reasons outlined by Senator Hanson-Young in moving it. I think the opposition had already adopted that position with their proposed amendment. As I say: if the opposition need time to finalise their amendments, I would rather we adjourn than see Senator Fierravanti-Wells have to talk under water while we wait for it. While her contributions are valuable, I suspect we would be better off moving on. I think there is agreement across the chamber to support the Greens’ amendment.