Senator CHRIS EVANS (Western Australia—Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:02): One of the great strengths of the Australian democracy is its respect for people to express their views openly, freely and without fear of repercussions and to encourage public debate. The government is a strong supporter, as is the opposition, of that position. It is one of the great traditions of this country. We encourage people to voice their opinions, to stage peaceful protests, if that is their wish, and to engage in public debate. While I do not agree with the opinions of those who drove to Canberra yesterday—and some opinions were particularly strident—it is their right to make their views known and to protest peacefully. The government respects that right.