Fiona O'Malley (Progressive Democrats)

I agree with what Senator Quinn stated; one cannot include an amendment which gives preferential treatment to one group over another. One should expect that all will be treated equally and that is what we expect to happen under the Bill. It would be incorrect to include a provision to express that one group of operators would be given preference over others; we should leave out this type of provision. We need to have a level playing field which we need as soon as possible.

I am glad Senator Quinn recognises competition has been very good for the public bus service. The travelling public needs to remember this. Time and again Members decry what competition has done and state it is outrageous and dreadful and that anybody who wants to provide a service in competition to a public service is some type of fly by night profiteer. I lament this. It is most unfortunate to suggest private operators operate to different safety standards. Of course, everybody operates to the same high standards, which is as it should be. The Bill will introduce an expectation that everybody will be treated equally. That is why we cannot countenance an amendment which would offer preference to a particular group. References such as this need to be left out. We need to keep matters as clear and easy as possible for everybody who wants to provide a service for the travelling public.