“It’s been an intense and emotional week and the debate has been long and tough.
“I have spent many weeks and months studying both the Ministerial Panel’s report and the subsequent legislation. I studied both documents in depth and conducted consultation based on their contents.
“It is on these documents and that consultation I formed my position to support the bill.
“Amendments would considerably change a bill that has been developed by a panel of experts over two years.
“There hasn’t been enough time to consider what consequences amendments may have on the bill as a whole.
“The party room decided on a conscience vote for all members so I’m exercised that right and voted with my conscience to support my position.”
