Senate debates Farm Household Support Amendment Bill 2007
Second Reading
Debate resumed from 22 March, on motion by Senator Scullion:
That this bill be now read a second time.
(Quorum formed)
Gavin Marshall Victoria, Australian Labor Party
12:42 pm
Senator O’Brien was very keen to make a comprehensive contribution on this bill and in normal circumstances he would be the first speaker for the opposition. But, given that there are only moments to go before this debate ends, I thought I might take the opportunity to make a few brief but concise and valuable remarks about this legislation—and I notice that the crowd on the government side of the chamber is building in anticipation of the remarks that I am about to make! The Farm Household Support Amendment Bill 2007, as I understand it, amends the Farm Household Support Act 1992, the Social Security Act 1991 and the Age Discrimination Act 2004 to allow agriculturally dependent small businesses—
Kim Carr Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Industry
Paul Calvert President
Order! Senator Carr, would you withdraw that remark.
Kim Carr Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Industry
Which one?
Paul Calvert President
I ask you to withdraw those remarks you have just made.
Kim Carr Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Industry
Which remarks have I made?
Paul Calvert President
Senator Carr, I am on my feet. Resume your seat. You are making unparliamentary remarks to the minister across the table, I ask you to withdraw those remarks.
Kim Carr Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Industry
I withdraw any remarks you have asked me to withdraw, but that man is a complete fraud.
Paul Calvert President
Order! I ask you to withdraw unconditionally those remarks.
Kim Carr Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Industry
I unconditionally withdraw any remarks.
Gavin Marshall Victoria, Australian Labor Party
I did not know that my speech on this bill was going to be so controversial; nonetheless, it has been. In the 30 seconds remaining—
Gavin Marshall Victoria, Australian Labor Party
This is really interrupting the flow of my contribution to this debate! Given the lateness of the hour, I might conclude my remarks there.
Debate interrupted.