Senator ABETZ (Tasmania—Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service and Minister for Employment) (14:13): All senators, including Senator Wong, should take their role very seriously. Access Economics Chris Richardson observes that: The opposition and minor parties have washed their hands of setting out detailed alternatives, preferring populist posturing. We are not asking senators to necessarily agree with everything the government wants to do. We are only asking that they consider it fairly— Senator Kim Carr: We certainly won't do that! Senator ABETZ: and the sort of noise coming out of Senator Carr indicates fairness is not one of his attributes. We are only asking that they consider it fairly, to treat it on its merits and to be prepared to compromise, where possible, all in the national interest. Each and every one of us has been elected to this place by the Australian people and for the Australian people, and I ask that all senators reflect on this as they decide their actions later today. (Time expired)