Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I agree with Senator Walsh's comments. I ask him, in the context of his remarks, to support the Private Members' Bill that was mentioned by Senator Ryan. I would like to formally second the proposal to debate that Bill in the House today. Like other speakers, Senator Walsh rightly pointed out that complex legal issues arise from last week's Supreme Court decision. The simple legislative issue at the heart of this matter can be dealt with quickly, however. We can start that process today. People see this as an urgent issue and I hope Government Senators see it as an urgent issue. The country is outraged not at the Supreme Court decision but at the failure of the Government to anticipate this problem — it has known for a considerable time that it might happen — and to deal with it. People are also outraged that there seems to be a "blame game" going on, as Senator Brian Hayes said. I can inform those who are trying to work out who is responsible that the Government is responsible — that is why it was elected. The Government needs to act quickly.

It is not enough to state that this matter will wait until next week. A man has been released by the High Court who is known to have offended in a particular manner. This has outraged people throughout the country and cannot be allowed to continue. This is a serious issue and I hope Government Senators will take it on board. In the spirit of putting politics aside, as Senator Jim Walsh put it, they should support this Bill, which would permit the public to see that as legislators, Members take their duties seriously and share people's outrage on this extraordinarily serious matter.