Jason Clare (Blaxland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Education) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Curtin for her engagement on this bill and for her amendments. I acknowledge, like she has generously done, her sincere interest in this area of public policy and particularly her desire to make sure that this commission that we're seeking to establish, the ATEC, is strong and independent and has the scope and capacity to do this important work. I share that intent. Therefore, I give you the undertaking publicly, as I did in my concluding remarks in the debate and as I've said privately, that I'll consider these amendments alongside the Senate report. We're expecting to receive that report on 27 February or thereabouts, and there's a Senate hearing that will take place later this week, which will provide an opportunity for many of the people that you've mentioned to provide evidence. I do sincerely look forward to seeing that report as well. Therefore, as I've said, the government is not in a position now to support these amendments, but I do look forward to working closely with you and with other members as debate proceeds in the Senate.

Question negatived.

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