Russell Trood (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Attorney-General, Senator Ludwig. I refer the minister to a joint press release by him as the Special Minister of State and Robert McClelland, the Attorney-General, of 18 March 2010 in which they announced their intention to appoint a National Security Legislation Monitor. Does the minister recall that the statement said:

The Government expects to announce the appointment of the new Monitor shortly.

Does the minister consider a period of eight months to fall within the commonly accepted definition of ‘shortly’? Can the minister advise the Senate when the appointment will be made?