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

I too wish to say a few words on the government's response to the report of the Community Affairs References Committee. I thank the government for its response on what is essentially a state government matter. The government in its response has addressed the issues and has treated the Senate committee's report seriously and with some respect.

I am interested to hear of the worldwide recognition this Senate committee report has received. Over a long period of time, Senate committee reports have been treated seriously, because by and large Senate committees operate well and are part of government. Contrast this with a farcical situation we had today, where the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee had, by request of Labor and Greens senators, set down a Senate estimates spillover hearing dealing with a particular matter. That was on the books of the legislation committee.

Yesterday the Senate decided, with the Greens-Labor majority, to refer the same matter to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee, on which the Greens and the Labor Party have a majority. In fact, that committee is chaired by a Greens senator and it has a four to two Labor-Greens majority. Madam Acting Deputy President, you may ask whether this is relevant to the debate before the chamber.