Senate debates

Thursday, 27 November 2008

Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Emergency Response Consolidation) Bill 2008

In Committee

5:24 pm

Photo of Nick XenophonNick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Can I just clarify my position in the debate. For me it is a difficult issue. My preferred position on R18+ material being broadcast into communities is that there ought to be an opt-in situation for communities. That is not the way it is drafted here. So the minister can have a discretion to say that this material ought to be allowed—in other words, the first position is that it is banned but it can be allowed after consultation with communities. I know that is not the government’s position. I am not entirely comfortable with the opposition’s amendments, but I would support those, given the choice between the two. But I do acknowledge it is a difficult issue.

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