Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Ageing) Share this | Hansard source

That is my point, Minister. When you read the explanatory memorandum, it says:

While the clause does not specify knowledge or experience requirements for Advisory Council members, it is anticipated that the following expertise would be represented amongst members ...

Then it lists:

... public administration, business/employer groups, education, intersectoral collaboration, sports and recreation, preventive health including health promotion, community and non-government organisations, consumer issues, social inclusion and disadvantage (including Indigenous Australians), local government, legal/regulatory, and finance

Given that the coalition’s amendment goes specifically to consumer health groups and industry organisations specifically in the manufacture of food and alcohol, I am concerned about understanding why those two important categories have been specifically excluded from what is a highly descriptive and highly inclusive category of people. That is the reason that I am seeking clarification. Minister, with respect, I do not think that your answer addresses the specific question that I asked, and that was about the highly prescriptive—if I can put it that way—description of the membership of the advisory council. They are the two areas that the coalition is very concerned about and they are going to be very much the drivers in relation to consumer health groups. Obviously the manufacture, distribution and marketing of food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, are very important components, and the two areas have been deliberately excluded.