Philip Ruddock (Berowra, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I simply make the point that there is a wider range of issues that have to be looked at, and you would not separate out judges or magistrates from the wider class. In dealing with the issue of defined benefits superannuation entitlements, you would want to make those decisions with some very clear advice as to what the impact would be on the financial bottom line. If you dealt with judges and magistrates in isolation, the impact would probably not be very significant in budgetary terms. But if you move to the wider class of defined benefits schemes, you are talking potentially of billions of dollars being added to the forward estimates.

The opposition may think it is fine to look at these matters in isolation and to do them without regard to the budgetary impacts and future budgetary impacts. If that is the way they see budgeting, they can take the approach that they have. They are welcome to bring their amendments forward, but that does not mean the government would support them when the broader financial implications have to be addressed in considering the principal issue. I simply make that point.

While relatively new, the Federal Magistrates Court is now an integral and important part of the federal civil justice system. The government is committed to ensuring that federal magistrates have adequate and appropriate terms and conditions of service. This is a very important measure in assisting to ensure both the continued and high calibre of appointments and that federal magistrates can focus on important duties without being distracted by concerns over the adequacy of the protection available to them and their dependants in the sad event of disability or death.

I just say in a personal way that I think we have been extraordinarily well served by the magistracy. They have acquitted themselves with diligence, application and professionalism. The outcomes are there to be seen in the very considerable case loads that the Federal Magistrates Court disposes of. Dealing with this issue is important for ensuring that they understand that the tasks they are fulfilling are recognised as important and that we are determined to deal with the disability issues.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Messages from the Governor-General recommending appropriations for the bill and proposed amendments announced.

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