Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I do thank Senator Brandis for that intervention. But the day I need protection from Senator Carr will be the day I am scared by a limp lettuce leaf! As I was saying in relation to the developments in the United States, which Senator Whish-Wilson referred to in his question, these are always a matter of great cut and thrust in both domestic and international politics. The circumstances in the United States are no exception from that exercise, the highly political exercise, of cut and thrust that is associated with these matters.

The trade and investment minister here in Australia, Mr Robb, has gone to great lengths to engage with members of the parliament, including extending an offer to Senator Whish-Wilson—an offer which was taken up by other senators and other members of the parliament in this chamber—to view the material that is available in relation to the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Others in the parliament have taken that up. I understand Senator Whish-Wilson chose not to. That is, of course, his choice and a matter for him and a matter for the Greens. It is not a matter for the government. The government made the offer. It was not taken up by Senator Whish-Wilson. There are other members who did avail themselves of the opportunity. We of course remain hopeful that the relevant legislation will ultimately pass, which will provide the momentum we need to conclude the negotiations. The trade minister has made that quite clear—and I reiterate his remarks.