Senator XENOPHON (4:29 PM) —I just want to be upfront. I think the government and the opposition know that my negotiating style is to tell everybody—both sides at the same time—what I am doing. I think that is the best way to deal with things in this place. I just had a quiet private conversation with Senator Macdonald, and I am happy to repeat what I said to him to the chamber—that is, the government introduced some further amendments yesterday. They were not insubstantial amendments. There were two amendments that I have some concerns about in relation to the points-of-interconnection authorisation and also in relation to the bundling of services and how those services can be offered. Senator Birmingham would be familiar with those amendments, as would other colleagues and of course the government. I do have some concerns, principally in relation to those two amendments. I would like to discuss that further with my colleagues. In fact, I had a brief conversation with Senator Birmingham about those concerns. I want to reserve my position to, if necessary, move amendments.

Senator Cormann —So the government is not ready yet?

Senator XENOPHON —I think the government’s position is clear, but I have the right, as Senator Cormann has the right, if need be to move amendments in relation to issues of concern as a result of the recent amendments. I am being completely upfront with all my colleagues in relation to this, and I think I have been consistent with respect to this. I want to reserve my position in relation to those issues. I do not think we will be getting to them for some hours, and I expect not by tonight—

Senator Cormann —So there is still some work going on behind the scenes?

Senator XENOPHON —What I can tell you is that I have raised these issues with the government, the opposition and the Australian Greens. I have not had an opportunity to have a detailed discussion with Senator Fielding about this, but I will raise it with all parties concerned. I think that is being upfront about it. And, of course, you have some of the key stakeholders such as the Competitive Carriers Coalition, Optus and I think Macquarie Telecom who have expressed concerns about some recent amendments, and it is a question of working through those. I want to be upfront with the committee about this, and it may be that I reserve my position with a view to introducing further amendments in relation to those areas of concern.