Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

I agree with the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion that it seems a grotesque suggestion, but unfortunately there is some evidence that these circumstances have arisen. Frankly, I am not sure of the potential implications of Senator Fielding’s amendments across not only this bill but also some similar areas in other legislation. What I am seeking to do on behalf of some of my colleagues and some in the community is to satisfy myself that, barring a misrepresentation by a doctor or medical professional that certifies that a child is stillborn, there will not be circumstances where a termination or someone undergoing a late-term abortion will be eligible for this payment. If you can give me that assurance I will accept that assurance. That is all I am seeking. It is about the language being used, because I do not want people to twist it. I want the government’s intentions to be very, very clear so that we do not make unnecessary amendments to the legislation and that we know we have examined all the circumstances that people are concerned about.