George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I did not knock anyone off any committees. The committee was reconstituted. I left the committee at the same time as Mr Wilkie, Senator Ludlam. Committees can be constituted in different ways.

The committee at the moment comprises—so far as I can see—very respected members from both of the major parties. Whether an independent or a crossbench member or a minor-party member should have a permanent spot is a debate that one could have, as one often debates the composition of committees. The composition of the committee, at the moment, is as it is and I think it has done a very good job.

If I may say so, notwithstanding your rather slighting and ungenerous remarks about him, I think the member for Wannon, Mr Tehan, is an exemplary chairman with whom I have worked very closely. Mr Tehan is a former foreign-service official and a former trade representative of this country and he knows a great deal more about these matters than some other people I can readily think of, Senator Ludlam.