Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Share this | Hansard source

I indicate that the government won't be supporting the amendment moved by Senator Shoebridge on behalf of the Australian Greens. I should also indicate, as a person who had the very great privilege of serving on PJCIS, that Senator Shoebridge's account of the operations of that committee couldn't be further from the truth. Had he observed some of the many hearings held in public, he would have seen the entirely robust way that those committee members approached their responsibilities and duties. It is on the basis of the quite important role that that committee has played over time that the government seeks to emulate that approach in establishing this committee. We're grateful for the support of the Liberals in this regard.

The government's approach to the membership, in particular, models that committee. The legislation, as with the legislation for the PJCIS, makes no commitments that would limit or commit the appointment of particular members. The government intends that appointments would continue to be made in accordance with the legislation and longstanding parliamentary practice. Consistent with that approach, the Prime Minister, in consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and leaders of recognised political parties, will appoint up to 13 members to the PJCD.