Peter Lindsay (Herbert, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I want to begin by recognising the tremendous work and dedication of Maggie Deacon and Pat Dunn, two of the officers in the Child Support Agency in Townsville. All of us receive all sorts of complaints about the Child Support Agency and its operations, but I can tell you that both Maggie and Pat are wonderful people and certainly have a customer service ethic that is beyond question.

About two weeks ago, I was able to attend an information night put on in Townsville by the department for those interested in child support matters. There was very good attendance. All sorts of other agencies attended on that particular night. When I explained to those who were there the changes contained in the bill that is before the parliament today, the Child Support Legislation Amendment (Reform of the Child Support Scheme—New Formula and Other Measures) Bill 2006, there was virtually universal happiness. Those who had great concerns about the operation of the current system were certainly pleased to see the very positive changes that have been brought forward in this bill. It is a very complex and detailed bill, but this is an area where there are a lot of changes needed, and we have to be mindful of getting the right outcome.

When I was sitting in my office and I heard the first Labor speaker on the bill introduce a second reading amendment to the bill, I was quite surprised. When I read the amendment, I was even further surprised. I do not know why the Labor Party has to be so negative and carping on a bill that delivers such benefits to people who need them.

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