Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

But my point generally to you, Senator Brown, is that this does not go anywhere near far enough. This does not even, I believe, genuinely address the people who deserve to be addressed. I have moved on from those previous responsibilities but I still share your frustration at the greed and bad behaviour of many in the corporate world. They have brought the world to its knees by their, at times, criminal behaviour, by their greedy behaviour, by their deceitful behaviour. I just think there is a more comprehensive suite of measures that could come forward that more directly target this area.

So, as I said, we will not be able to support this foreshadowed amendment, but I urge you to support the bill even if your amendment is unsuccessful. It is not a question of taking you for granted or taking the Greens for granted on this issue. This is an issue on which a substantial body of work is being prepared, and I urge you to participate in that process. Allan Fels is a man of significant integrity. He deserves the chance to hear your views and your policy responses. I would hope that, even if your amendment is not successful, you will not use the defeat of that amendment as an excuse to sink a measure that is actually necessary to protect jobs in this country you but that will pursue with us an opportunity for a suite of measures that is far more substantial than just this one lone amendment.

Progress reported.