Senate debates

Thursday, 1 March 2007

Committees

Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee; Reference

10:05 am

Photo of Andrew MurrayAndrew Murray (WA, Australian Democrats) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matters be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee for inquiry and report by 14 August 2007:
(a)
a review of Commonwealth exemptions provided to religious or other organisations, or individual members thereof, on the grounds of religion, belief or conscience;
(b)
whether such Commonwealth exemptions should be maintained, withdrawn or restricted, and whether, in specific instances, they are abused or are made no longer appropriate by the conduct of individuals or organisations conflicting with the justification being provided for the exemption;
(c)
whether any religious organisation, as a result of its beliefs, prevents an adequate and productive education of minors or young persons, including at the tertiary level, contrary to the public interest;
(d)
whether statutory or administrative changes in respect of Commonwealth law or practice relating to such matters are necessary; and
(e)
any other relevant matters.

Question negatived.