Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

This legislation has been subject to numerous rounds of public consultation. It is not legislation that hasn't been seen previously. The vast majority of this legislation has been well-versed with the different stakeholders. With the introduction of these bills the government did make clear that we also viewed the further consultative processes of a Senate inquiry to be a very important part of adding value to those consultation processes that have been undertaken. That is why we have sought, on the day of the introduction of this legislation to the parliament, to in good faith ensure it is referred for inquiry, consistent with that commitment to continue to undertake consultation.

I've heard comments around the chamber in relation to the timing and duration of the inquiry. I understand that the Christmas period does involve, of course, the holiday season for many Australians, but I do note that there are 9½ weeks between now and 1 February.

Senator Carr does protest a little too much. Others have made thoughtful contributions—

I will be, Senator Lambie. Fear not.

But thanks for the gratuitous advice. There are 9½ weeks in this regard. Committees of course are able to make their own recommendations and determinations through that process, including in relation to additional time if the committee itself so determines. It is also the case that the government want to get the advice and the feedback from the Senate committee process in a manner that can enable consideration of this legislation by this parliament, so we have sought to act on the very day of its introduction to the parliament to provide for that referral in the conventional way.

Senator Carr, you know full well that the vast majority of bills are referred without talking to the committee beforehand. You've been here so long that you know that well and truly to be the case.

It's a fact, Senator Carr.

I can only imagine what Senator Carr would have called it had the government not supported the referral to a committee. We are supporting the referral to a committee. We are putting forward that referral in the conventional way of sending it to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee. It's the standard process for consideration of legislation. We're doing so and providing a 9½-week reporting period for that committee. Of course, as I indicated before, members of that committee, in terms of their consideration of all aspects of this, are at liberty to make their reports to the Senate not only obviously on the substance of the bills but also in relation to further time if they deem it to be necessary in working through such matters. But the government does wish the parliament to ideally hear the committee's views and the feedback from the committee prior to consideration of these bills to enable sufficient time for the bills to be considered by this parliament.