Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Alright. I know we're running out of time. If that is the government's intention, Labor will support a referral to 4 February, but I would say what a shemozzle this has been. Going back to where we were last week where there were not one, two or three but I think four tied votes on this matter, and now we've ended up, basically, back where we were. We will reluctantly support this. We do, however, believe it needs a genuine and proper inquiry that allows everyone to participate. That is why we will support the referral to the 4th, because it does allow other senators to participate in it. But I again draw attention to the fact that this has been handled appallingly by the government on a matter that should be above some of the games that have been played. And I would urge those senators who want to participate to ensure that the inquiry that does go to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee is a proper and full inquiry that allows full participation not only by senators but also by all stakeholders who are invested in this matter.