Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The institution is important; tradition is important; convention is important; courtesy is important. They are the things that determine how this place functions. Without that history, that convention and that cooperation, we lose something very special here. That is why I think this place is much better equipped than the other place to handle these sorts of inquiries. When we put together a report, there will be occasions when it is going to be unanimous and we are going to say, 'Yes, we have to fix this grievous injustice,' or 'We have to sort something out'—and the government can respond. But how can we do that in the face of committee chairs and collusion to get the raw base numbers that almost limits people from participating in the committee system? There is something wrong about it. Senator Macdonald was absolutely spot-on when he gave his example earlier today. I have lived through a very similar example myself. It is something that should be of concern to all of us in this place who are concerned not only about the involuntary or coerced sterilisation of people with disabilities in Australia but about the wellbeing of this general organ of government.

Question agreed to.