Senator IAN CAMPBELL (5:46 PM) —The government—and I think probably also the opposition; however I will not speak on behalf of the opposition—has a policy that, if people seek to make reference to a committee, it go through a process. That is, basically, that it gets brought up at our party room and senators have discussions about whether they want it or not.

I would oppose the motion being dealt with as it is here. I think Senator Murray's motivations are entirely laudable, and the concept of looking at retail tenancy legislation is something that is appropriate in the current climate—bearing in mind that I have made the point that the Commonwealth regards this as entirely a matter for the states, and will continue to do that. But the coalition, before making any decision on a reference to a committee, would like the opportunity and the courtesy to be able to take it to our party room.

If Senator Murray would like to progress this matter next week, I think I can undertake to ensure that the coalition would consider this at its normal meetings at the beginning of next week; it could be dealt with very early. But it would be a courtesy for our colleagues to be able to consider it in that way.