Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I appreciate your ruling, Madam Chair, which is my understanding of what the standing orders say. That being the case and leave not been given to withdraw the amendment, I will briefly speak to the minister's response. I thank the minister for his explanation. It has reinforced my own thoughts that the amendment is quite ridiculous and takes away the powers the government and, I think, Australian society deem that our protectors—ASIO—need to have. Minister, as you point out quite correctly, how can we anticipate today what technology and what new arrangements might apply in the future? That would be curtailed if this amendment were to be passed. I thank the minister for his explanation.