Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Can I assure you, Senator Cormann, that I am naturally suspicious of any government, whether they are Liberal, Labor, Callithumpian or whatever. I am also suspicious of oppositions, but less so. I think that is what crossbenchers ought to be doing. Can Senator Cormann clarify this: is he saying that his amendment would have the effect of requiring the government to produce regulations with respect to risk management issues? If that is the case, what is to prevent the government from having an absolutely minimalist approach in relation to that? That is my concern in relation to this.

The minister can either respond now or perhaps I could get a response overnight, but I indicated in my second reading contribution that, given the Baird review—I think was a good initiative of the government to have the Hon. Bruce Baird look at these issues—will the government undertake to bring back this bill with appropriate amendments within six months of the Baird review being handed down and the government considering it so that we know that this is the first of subsequent steps to improve the sector? I would like a response from the government and the opposition in relation to this.