Senator POLLEY (Tasmania) (15:15): I would like to make a contribution this afternoon. From what I can see and what the public is hearing in relation to higher education, there is nothing that is fundamentally more wrong for the nation and for students than this piece of legislation. This whole debate has gone one step further, because the federal member for Bass, in Tasmania, has yet again come out swinging in relation to this particular bill. What he is now doing—and we know this because I have spoken about it before—is attacking a professor at the University of Tasmania for daring to question the government's agenda. But he has gone one step further. He is now engaged with none other than a veteran of journalism, Paul Bongiorno, today questioning his right to comment with Mr Nikolic. Government senators interjecting— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Order! Senator POLLEY: Paul has gone that one step further because he has said, 'Meaningless? Really, Andrew? And don't lobby my employer.' That is what this debate has come down to. Now, I have been advised— Government senators interjecting— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Order! There are too many Tasmanians in the room, I think— Senator POLLEY: that not only is Mr Nikolic attacking a professor at the university but he is now threatening to sue Jenna Price from The Canberra Times, because they published an article that outlined the need for freedom of speech and for the university and staff to be able to participate in the debate around issues of great importance to the community. So Andrew Nikolic attacks not only people like myself and Michael Powell, but anyone who dares to criticise this government. If this policy was such good policy he would not have to threaten people. He would not have to write letters emailed to the University of Tasmania at a very critical time, I may add, when negotiations are going on with the university through this government— Government senators interjecting— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Polley, just resume your seat for a moment. I will call the Senate to order. There are too many interjections. Senator POLLEY: If those on the other side want to cast aspersions, at least put it on the record. I would never ring up and threaten somebody's employment. And in saying, 'I am not trying to stifle a debate,' why else would he email the vice-chancellor of the university? But nothing surprises me. This is a desperate government that has no vision and no policies for the future. What they are trying to do is have a system where only those who can afford to go to university will be able to go to university. Senator Bushby interjecting— Senator POLLEY: You might take everything out of The Examiner, Senator Bushby, but I do not. At least learn the facts before you make those sorts of assertions. But I— Government senators interjecting— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Polley, just resume your seat for a moment. I would ask senators to cease interjecting. And I would remind you, Senator Polley, to address your remarks through the chair. But I want to make it clear: I have called the Senate to order on a number of occasions now. I would ask senators to remain silent for the rest of this contribution. Senator POLLEY: We, as elected members of either this place or the other place, should be encouraging debate around very important policy issues like higher education. So why would the government and a government member try to stifle that debate? Simply because they do not agree with this government's views, or that individual members' articulation of the government's policy. What we need in this country is debate about the issue of higher education going forward to ensure that all Australians, not just those whose families credit card is large enough to pay for them, can go to university. Once again, what we have seen from this government is another backflip—yet another one. They are in chaos; they really are in chaos. They are out there trying to govern to protect the Prime Minister's job. That is what they are doing. Anyone who does not support the likes of the 'enforcer' of the government, who has been referred to in this article as Mr Nikolic— Senator Conroy: We have the 'fixer'— Senator POLLEY: Yes, the 'fixer' and the 'enforcer' in the government's caucus. That is what we have. So who next? I suggest to those opposite to at least engage with the community. If you are engaging with your constituency, you will see that the Australian people do not buy your policy. They do not want an American-style education system in this country because they know the failings of what happens in the US. We should be ensuring that every Australian, based on their ability, has the opportunity to go to university. Threats to people's employment to stop them debating the issue will not cloud the judgement of the Australia community.