Senator TROETH (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) (8:45 PM) —I would like to point out to Senator Carr in the first instance that it is his party that has continually promoted division on this subject. As Senator Carr said, we have argued about this over many years; but, as Senator Crossin pointed out in her earlier remarks, it is my government that promotes choice in the education sector. It is the Labor Party that constantly promotes division and class war on this topic. This government is about providing quality education to the children of Australia, and that is the intent of this legislation.

Can I also say that the remarks of Mr Daniels that I quoted were contained in a letter of 27 November 2003 addressed to the Hon. Brendan Nelson. The letter and the remarks that Senator Carr was referring to are perhaps from an earlier letter. The letter I have in front of me indubitably states that Mr Daniels, and presumably his organisation, appreciates the support of the government for this legislation. To quote Mr Daniels again from this letter, dated 27 November:

I am happy to table that letter.

Question put: