Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

I have since been given a checklist showing that the term to which Senator Xenophon referred, 'desirable to do so', in fact appears in 20 pieces of federal legislation. It has been relatively commonly used, it would appear, for over two decades now. Does this provide a wide discretion to the officials? Yes it does. We accept that. We believe that, in all the circumstances, it is appropriate. But, of course, as with all government departments and agencies, it is expected that ACMA will inform the public and the broadcasting industry about its general approach to investigating complaints in its discretion, and that will be made known publicly.