Community banking report
The Leader refused to accept Senator O’Donnell’s amendment because the report had not yet been published, but promised a debate once it was. He said he was acting as an honest broker and would seek a date.
I am not. We cannot debate a report that has not been published. I gave a commitment in my response that as soon as the report is published, I will have a debate on the issue in the House. I cannot debate a report that is not published. To be fair to the House, I think it would agree with that. I am not trying to stop the debate.
Comment on this
Will Senator Buttimer indicate when it will be?
Comment on this
I do not have that. I have the reply from a parliamentary question on 14 June. I made inquiries with the Minister's private secretary and all I can do is act as an honest broker. I do not come in here to obfuscate or deny debate. I have come here to give the facts as I have had them presented to me. I will endeavour to get a date. I will give an assurance to the House that as soon as the report is published, we will have the debate in the House.