It is disappointing when the proper truth of a matter is not conveyed, especially when it is used as a means to provoke or manipulate resentment.

In an article today by Ed Charles titled "Strength in numbers for the little" it is claimed in the article, which refers to the Small Business Minister, Fran Bailey, that the collective bargaining powers in Trade Practices Amendment Bill No. 1 were blocked in the Senate with the assistance of my vote. This claim is untrue as it is not possible for an individual Senator, alone, to block legislation. I did, however, agree with 37 of my fellow Senators that the legislation should be amended.

The truth, as the Hansard will show, is that the collective bargaining powers have now been passed by both chambers. Amendments were made to the Mergers and Acquisitions section of the Bill as this would be against the interest of small business. The Lower House refuses to enact the amended Bill.

When the Lower House does not accept an amendment from the Australian Senate which affects 1/12 of a piece of legislation - that is news worthy.

When they manipulate their purpose of wanting greater Merger and Acquisition powers for big business by stirring resentment amongst a group of small businesses on a completely unrelated issue, i.e., Collective Bargaining, and attest that it was not passed by the Australian Senate when, in fact, it was, this is trying to mislead.