David Norris (Independent)

I welcome the taking of item No. 1, although I note that it is without debate. I ask the Leader whether we can have a debate some time on the principles that underlie the motion, but I am happy it will go through. However, there is one point I would like to make; I am sure my colleague Senator Mullen, who is our representative, will mention this. I note that the names of the Independent Senators are not mentioned. I was contacted and asked by Senator Mullen if I agreed that our names should be added to this, and I said yes. I would like to signal that the Independent group strongly supports this important motion.

I share the concerns echoed on the Government side by Senator Healy Eames about the selling off of utilities. This is a significant step, and the rights of the people must be guaranteed. We have made too many mistakes in preserving a system rather than the people. The welfare of the people comes first. In light of what I said yesterday about maintaining a system - an initiative from the Government that I welcome - under which gas and electricity are not cut off when people cannot pay for them, can the Leader give us a guarantee from the Government that this policy will continue even if there are private and foreign investors in these utilities? I am concerned that we are selling off significant assets.