Alex White (Labour)

I agree with Senator Regan on one point, namely, that there was a very good discussion in the course of the day. The Minister was attentive, and I thank him on my behalf and on behalf of my party for his willingness to listen and to engage in the debate. However, part of our role in this House, and in any parliament, is not just to express our opinion but to have the ability to bring forward proposals for change to what the Government proposes to do. We did not have that ability in this House and, unfortunately, we have to record that.

I made that point on the Order of Business. The Leader shook his head at the time but he did not come back to me in response and he did not disagree with me, nor can he or anyone disagree with me that the debate we had today, however good and well-informed, was always characterised by an air of unreality because it was signalled clearly to us that there would be no question of any amendments being accepted. I regret that.