Senator ABETZ(9.02 p.m.) —I move:

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent Senator Harradine moving a motion relating to the conduct of the business of the Senate, namely a motion to give precedence to the consideration of the Euthanasia Laws Bill 1996.

It would be fair to say that the Euthanasia Laws Bill has been within the Australian community for some considerable period of time. I think the people of Australia are entitled to believe that most of us have given due consideration to the matters that are contained in the Euthanasia Laws Bill. The issues have been widely canvassed in the Northern Territory, in the media around Australia and indeed before the Senate Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee, on which I had the pleasure of serving.

Today we have been sitting, deliberately, to try to make up some time in the considerable agenda that this Senate faces. Having said that, we have now come into a situation where, as a result of last minute amendments to other legislation which other parties need to consider in detail, there is somewhat of a hiatus in the Senate's program.  All honourable senators would have before them a speakers list which indicates that some 50 honourable senators wish to participate in this debate.

A considerable period of time will be used in this place to consider the Euthanasia Laws Bill. When we have the opportunity of two hours of debating time being made available, albeit at short notice, I believe it is appropriate to bring on this piece of legislation which is genuinely ready to be debated. Everybody has considered their position and a lot of us wish to make a contribution to that legislation.

It is quite clear that the people of Australia expect us to deal with this legislation, not have it dragged out. We have the opportunity of using two hours of the Senate's time to consider this piece of legislation. With due respect to some of those senators opposite, and in particular Senator Brown, it is now on public record through the good offices of Dr Nitschke—I do not know whether what I have been advised is right or wrong—that every single delaying tactic would be employed. I would have thought that if there is a speakers list of honourable senators ready to make a contribution, which there is—well over half a dozen of them, as I understand it; it is a list of eight speakers—and they are prepared to start the debate today at this very moment, there is no good reason why that should not be allowed to occur.

Sure, the people of the Northern Territory might not benefit from the pearls of wisdom of those of us who speak tonight. They might have to read the Hansard rather than listen to the parliamentary broadcast. But I would have to say, with due deference to my colleague Senator Tambling, that if they are so genuinely interested in hearing or seeing what those of us who are going to make a contribution this evening have to say, there is the Hansard available for those people in the Northern Territory to read and consider our comments. I dare say the Northern Territory media outlets will give appropriate time and air play to the various comments made by honourable senators during the debate.

Senator Bob Collins —The pearls of wisdom will be reported; fear not.

Senator ABETZ —Senator Collins has confirmed that the pearls of wisdom will be fairly reported—

Senator Bob Collins —As they always are.

Senator ABETZ —As they always are—in the Northern Territory. The question is: why should this debate be delayed? Senator McKiernan did make some comments earlier on but I have to say to Senator McKiernan—with due respect—that it is not unusual for legislation to sometimes come on and be moved up the agenda if the other legislation does not materialise because there is a hiatus in the agenda. I would simply recommend to honourable senators that they support the course of action. Let us get the debate under way because I think the people of Australia do want this issue resolved one way or the other.