Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Hansard source

There was a request by Senator Duniam to have amendments put before the parliament. They're not drafted at the moment. One Nation has no objection to that whatsoever in light of this bill and the implications it's going to have on the Northern Territory and the people who, for the sheer fact they live in the Territory, don't have the same rights as people who live in the states. They are being dictated to by the federal government. I understand that. It's not their fault; they happen to live in a territory. It's the same for the ACT. I know that it was a conscience vote. I voted for the bill, and my colleague Senator Roberts voted against it. It is a personal decision we made after listening to constituents and people, not just in our own state but across the country, say how important this bill is.

We must, therefore, get it right. I know it was a resounding 41 to 25, but surely, on such an important matter, is it really going to put an impost on this parliament and the people here representing all Australians to make sure that we get it right? Is it really going to cause a lot of problems for this parliament to keep it open in committee so that we can see what the amendments are and then make a final decision on that, based on what we think is right? I agree. I have no problem with keeping it in committee. Let's see what amendments are drafted. Let's make sure we get it right on an important matter like this.