Alex White (Labour)

My party has called for such legislation on a number of occasions. I am in complete agreement with Senator O'Toole. Perhaps it is good that this matter was raised, precisely for the purpose of having it knocked on the head so sharply in this context.

There is an interesting cultural exchange across the floor between the Opposition and Senator Leyden. He is making it very clear that he believes we are being too extreme or adopting a politically correct position. I have heard this before but it is part of the reason we are where we are in this country. Senator Leyden may smile, laugh and joke about it all he wants. While we have resisted partisan comments for most of this debate, I must say the system he is defending is part of the problem in this country and it is associated mainly with his party. This is the difficulty we are in.

Senator O'Toole is correct that there should be no question at all of this issue arising. I do not care if I sound politically correct or holier than thou. Section 221 is one of the most important in the Bill. I believed it was one of the most uncontroversial and such is its importance that I am amazed it is receiving even two minutes' attention. Anybody who believes politicians are covered under subsection (4), which refers to one acting in a professional capacity, had better think again because politicians certainly are not.