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

I am glad the senator used the word 'lame' in introducing his question, because it certainly was. I am not sure there was much of a question in that diatribe, but to the extent there was I will try and give some sort of response. It just seems to me that it was a political diatribe, much like the many we heard during what was supposed to be a debate on important legislation this week. The government has a very positive and strong legislative agenda that it is pursuing through this parliament. We have been very successful at getting that legislation supported in this parliament. The carriage of the climate change legislation is a very important, historic achievement in this country. I would like to thank all members of parliament who supported that legislation. The government is very proud of that achievement because we regard it as important economic and social reform, but also it is a very clear sign that this government, despite not having a majority in either house of parliament, is able to work with other members of parliament of goodwill to bring forward important legislation and have it carried by the parliament.

The behaviour of the opposition is in stark contrast to that of the other legislators in this place. All they are interested in doing is saying no, being oppositionists and contributing nothing to the public policy debate. This government will carry on trying to get important legislation debated and carried through this place. We hope this evening that the opposition does not continue to delay too much in getting the plain packaging tobacco legislation through the parliament. That, again, will be a very important piece of legislation in combating the terrible effects of smoking in the Australian community. We are getting on with the job.