Peter Slipper (Fisher, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

No, I do not digress at all, because part of this bill, through changes to the act, is to insert what people consider to be gender neutral language, presumably to replace the so-called sexist language that was there before. What I am saying, and the point that I am articulating—I think rather well, Mr Deputy Speaker, if I say so myself—is that I do not see the language that is being replaced as being sexist. But, having said that, that is not a battle that I am going to win right now, so I suppose there is no point in detaining the committee any further.

This bill improves the function of one of the longest-established investigative committees in parliament. It was established way back in 1915. I suppose when it was established in 1915 that would have been seen as a very far-sighted step, because in 1915 I think the couple of levels of accountability and transparency that we would today accept as the norm certainly would not have been as well entrenched. This bill will ensure that the Public Works Committee can continue to perform its work effectively and efficiently. I am very pleased to commend the bill to the chamber.

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