Rex Patrick (SA, Centre Alliance) Share this | Hansard source

Clearly the position taken by the government yesterday was most disturbing. That has been dealt with by the speakers thus far. I know there are some very good people on the other side of the chamber, and I'm a bit disappointed that someone didn't actually intervene yesterday when that motion was being put. I want to add to something that Senator Hinch touched on slightly. It's an important thing. I want to read what the Attorney-General has put out in relation to this. I'm just reading one paragraph of what he said. He said:

It appears that, of the very large number of motions on which my office's views are routinely sought, this one was not escalated to me because it was interpreted in my office as a motion opposing racism. The associations of the language were not picked up. Had it been raised directly with me those issues would have been identified.

I'm a bit disturbed that a staffer in this place would be held responsible for something that took place in the chamber, for a position that was taken by the government in the chamber. We all have very hardworking and very intelligent staffers. It's not appropriate for people to blame staffers for positions taken here in the chamber. I ask the Leader of the Government in the Senate to seek clarification that no staffer is being held responsible for it and to perhaps get someone to put up their hand and say, 'Look, that was my mistake.' I think a member or a senator would be most appropriate.