George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Siewert, I think it's unwise to be too prescriptive about that matter, as a matter of fact, and that is why I emphasise that the government is considering the matter very carefully. What we have in mind is bringing this process to a successful conclusion. In the course of quite a long process now, which has included, among other things, the expert panel's report, a parliamentary select committee over two parliaments and the Referendum Council, a variety of different views and approaches have been explored. Ultimately, it is for the parliament to decide which way forward is the best. As I said in answer to your primary question, I see no practical possibility of that being done unless there is bipartisanship, which is why the government has been working with the opposition, whose contribution we acknowledge, and wants to work with the crossbench as well to enable a final and acceptable model to be adopted.