Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, I can confirm for Senator Ludlam that the decision to proceed with this measure, as with all relevant measures in budgets, was the decision of the Expenditure Review Committee and ultimately endorsed by the cabinet. Consistent with appropriate conventions, I will not disclose the nature of the discussions in the Expenditure Review Committee or in cabinet. Having said that, there has, of course, been a Senate Economics Legislation Committee inquiry into this bill and all relevant stakeholders have had ample opportunity to express their view. I will give Senator Ludlam this assurance, though: as our government always does, we have very carefully considered all of the relevant information. We have very carefully considered the various options in front of us on how best to proceed and we made a judgement, having considered the relevant expert advice along the way. That obviously is how good government operates in an orderly and methodical process but, beyond that, I cannot assist Senator Ludlam much further.