Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I rise to associate the opposition with your reflections on this moment in our history, and I particularly note your remarks about staff. Opposition senators too greatly appreciate the skill and the diligence and the professionalism of the staff who assist us in our work. We note that on very many occasions they are significantly more qualified than we are in so many domains, and they assist us humbly, and we are so very grateful for their contribution.

The system of standing and estimates committees that was established on this day in 1970 has helped establish the Senate as a significant place for scrutiny and review. It's a signal achievement in the history of our chamber and of parliamentary democracy in this country. The arrangements that have evolved over the last 50 years have changed, but, fundamentally, the Senate's ability to hold governments to account would not be possible without this system.

It is hard to believe, but prior to 1970 only three bills had ever been referred to committees. I was reading through the Hansard to look at how this debate commenced, and there were, of course, two motions that were adopted: a government motion moved by Senator Anderson and a Labor motion moved by Senator Murphy. Murphy noted at the time that there was no copyright on the proposals to set up standing committees in a legislature, acknowledging the role of all contributors at that time. But, as a Labor senator from New South Wales and a Labor senator from the progressive tradition that Murphy hailed from, I am, of course, particularly interested in his contribution, and he applied his customary energy and intellect to the task of reforming the Senate. In introducing the motion that established the standing committees, he said:

… demand for improved performance all over the world. It may be manifested in some places in riots, in demonstrations and in other ways in a less violent manner, but a demand for institutions such as ours to carry out their work efficiently is becoming apparent.

There is something about that contribution that speaks to our time also: a recognition that parliamentary chambers must hold ourselves to the highest standards, must give voice to the highest aspirations of all of our people and must always conduct ourselves with energy, dignity and a clear sense of democratic purpose. Mr President, I thank you for drawing this occasion to the Senate's attention and I look forward to the celebrations that you have foreshadowed.