Jessica Collins (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

We cannot afford to make mistakes in this area as the safety of the victims and the community, more broadly, depends on it. I do not trust this Labor government to appoint a board that is fit for purpose, and that is why the proposed amendment from Senator Cash is absolutely essential.

This bill comes from a government focused on making its job easier, not Australians safer. It comes from a government focused on delegating the hard decisions, not making them. It comes from the most secretive Australian government of the last 50 years, from FOIs to ISIS brides. This government is incapable of being transparent with the Australian people. I am proud to stand with the coalition, which opposes this bill as it is currently drafted. Only a Liberal-led coalition government would protect Australians' way of life. It would ensure victims are heard and consulted in these decisions and accept the responsibility of our actions, unlike this Labor government, which is hiding and ducking from every warranted criticism. I do not commend this bill in its current form to the Senate, and I urge all other senators to do the same.