Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

Well, I mean, with the greatest of respect, the point that Senator Lambie makes here applies to every and any law. So what you're essentially saying is that we should not impose integrity measures and penalties because they don't work anyway. Well, we don't agree. We believe that the arrangements put in place through this bill will be effective and that the management of our Electoral Act through the Electoral Commission is effective. It has served Australia very well for a very, very long time. We've got a very stable democracy. We are recognised globally as one of the world-leaders when it comes to openness and transparency and stable, proper democratic processes. This legislation, once passed, will contribute to that.