Santo Santoro (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for Ageing) Share this | Hansard source

The amendment of the Democrats proposes that a code of practice be established for the appointment of members to the council. My colleagues would be aware that the legislation currently requires that both council and AHEC members only be appointed not only following consultation with the states and territories but also after seeking nominations from 18 prescribed different bodies. This process routinely takes in excess of eight months.

The bill before us proposes a more streamlined process which still ensures that there is appropriate consultation before any appointments are made to council or to any principal committees. By contrast, the amendment of the Democrats simply adds another layer of bureaucracy by requiring that a code of practice be developed. Rather than ensuring that the best people for the job are appointed to the council, the proposed amendment simply adds, in our view, more prescription. This is particularly unnecessary in light of the fact that all appointments to council are highly transparent.

The NHMRC currently adopts a comprehensive process for seeking nominations and short-listing nominees for council. This currently encompasses consideration of suitability, gender, equity and geographical distribution. This is not a legislative requirement but simply good process. This will not change under the proposed new arrangements. The NHMRC will continue to follow this well-established process. All appointments are also announced publicly. They are posted on the NHMRC website and published in annual reports of the NHMRC. Again, none of this will change under the proposed new arrangements. There will continue to be this very high level of transparency. It is for these reasons, Senator Allison, that the government does not support the amendment moved by your kind self.