We will not do it.

-----a piece of paper before doing so. The Canadian model was rejected because of the paperwork and the unnecessary steps that would have to be made in this regard.

Senator Mullen raised World Down Syndrome Day, which is today. I hope he is wearing odd socks because we were asked to do so today.

I missed that, but on any given day I possibly am wearing odd socks.

As someone who has been involved with Cope Foundation all my life, whose parents worked in Cope Foundation, and who has always been a supporter of young and old men and women with Down's syndrome, I know the joy they bring is one we should all celebrate. There is a duty on all of us to ensure they are included in society. It is also important that anyone having a discussion about men and women with Down's syndrome recognise that they are human beings who are well capable of thinking, articulating and advocating on their own behalf. We should celebrate them and rejoice with them. Equally, it is important they are not used as pawns in any debate that takes place in our society or in any campaign by anyone because they are not pawns to be put on billboards.

They are men and women deserving of treatment-----

They are speaking for themselves on the issue to which the Leader is referring.

That is what I am saying. I am not disagreeing with the Senator.

They must be allowed to speak for themselves.

Unlike others, I have never silenced anybody. I am all in favour of it. That is why the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution voted to reject that particular issue as part of the referendum.

That committee was disgraceful on the issue.

It is important that we have balance on the matter. However, I agree that they are people who should be celebrated.

The Senator brought the issue up.