We were able to avoid that when we were in government, including when I was chair of the committee, by negotiating and compromising with Labor members of the committee, sometimes over many weeks and even months, on contentious issues until we arrived at a position both major parties were happy with. We did not proceed with the unilateral challenges that hadn't had any consultation.

In answer to a question on notice I put to the Attorney General's Department, it confirmed that the department itself consulted no members of the opposition, no members of the crossbench or anyone else on these changes. What about the minister? Did the minister consult anyone before bringing these changes forward?