Senator STOTT DESPOJA (10:34 PM) —Tonight Four Corners on the ABC ran a program on the Australian Democrats. One of the areas they chose to highlight was the so-called tensions within the party. Due to speculation in the media and a potential leadership petition, I wish to put on record my position. This leadership spill is not about whether I challenge or become leader, nor about my position as deputy. It is not about my behaviour or my perspective on the GST—although, of course, I recognise that the leadership spill was interpreted by the national president, as is his right, to include my position as deputy.

Nevertheless, in relation to speculation about a leadership challenge, I adhere to my recent statements. Two weeks ago, I said I would not challenge our leader, Senator Meg Lees, and I am sticking to that position—even allowing for extraordinary events, such as those that have occurred in the past week and, of course, for a degree of pressure and support. My reasons for not standing include the fact that I meant what I said two weeks ago—those reasons remain the same—and also because I do not wish current tensions within the party to be exacerbated further.

I also recognise that minimising tension is a two-way street. It means that the members have to respect the rights and decisions of the members of parliament, the senators; but, on the other hand, we also have to respect the will and the decisions of our members. That is a fundamental philosophy and value to which the Democrats adhere. I also recognise that we cannot afford as legislators, as members of our party room, to dismiss the concerns or the dissent among our members—or, indeed, to dismiss any suggestion that there is discomfort among the membership. My decision to not stand for the leadership is not about my not being ready or about a lack of support. It is because it is inappropriate, and I think it may lead to further party unrest.

What is true is that I differ from my party in relation to its decision on the GST package. Today, indeed, I exercised my right as a Democrat senator, a right that is part of our constitution, to exercise my vote according to conscience, as you did, Mr Acting Deputy President Bartlett. I will continue to work hard as Deputy Leader of this party, with a solid commitment to its principles—principles of accountability, democracy, social justice and ecological sustainability. I will also encourage our members to work for the good of the party, to work together in order to bring about the progressive policies that we stand for. I do not dismiss the concerns that have been aired, the frustrations to which attention has been drawn.

I echo the sentiments tonight of my colleague Senator Bartlett in relation to his plea to the membership. I know that some of our members—perhaps many of our members—will be disappointed by today's vote on the GST, but the answer is not to leave the party or to spill the leadership positions; it is to work hard, to commit ourselves to the party, the processes and the policy work, and to influence the party by remaining involved, by participating in the process. As Senator Bartlett has said on record tonight, the decision today does not have to represent an ideological shift in our party. All senators, all the party room, remain committed to and united in our pursuit of social justice, ecological sustainability and democracy.

Of course, there has always been debate and discussion in our party about the role of the party and the parliamentary wings of the Australian Democrats. Tonight's Four Corners program did highlight the fact that some of our members are frustrated on this occasion by the actions of the parliamentary wing and they have chosen to exercise their right to complain through one of the mechanisms available to them, which is a ballot on the tax agreement. My message tonight is for our members: you determine our policy and you ensure that the party room is guided by the party's principles. I believe we are a true grassroots party, a participatory and democratic party. These are values we all cherish. We will listen to our members and act on their concerns, but they must stay involved. This is what makes the Australian Democrats different

I have watched tonight—indeed, over the last couple of weeks—with amazement as the media have grappled with this notion of direct participation and with the notion of a conscience vote. Clearly, many observers have a lot to learn about how the Democrats work, what sets us apart from the old parties. Hopefully, the media, other commentators and the legislators will learn quickly about the ways of our party, a party that has always prized conscience and direct participation in processes and policy.

As you well know, Mr Acting Deputy President, it is not easy to vote differently from your colleagues. So I thank the many branches, members and divisions that have sent messages or motions of support. I also acknowledge the positive comments for the work that my leader, Senator Meg Lees, has done in negotiating improvements to the package. I hope that this process is not going to destabilise our party, but that we will emerge from this healthy debate stronger and as always the real alternative to the old parties in this place.