Bruce Billson (Dunkley, Liberal Party, Minister for Small Business) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to sum up the debate and thank the member for Isaacs for his contribution. It is a great pleasure to conclude this debate on the Judiciary Amendment Bill 2015. The bill supports the consolidation of the Australian Government Solicitor into the Attorney-General's Department. It will create a more unified and effective department that will become the comprehensive source of authoritative advice on key Commonwealth legal and legal policy issues. In recognising the contribution from the member for Isaacs, let me just briefly touch on a matter he raised in his contribution. I want to reiterate and make absolutely clear that the AGS is not being abolished—as the member for Isaacs observed.

This government acknowledges the importance of the AGS as a viable and ongoing source of trusted and knowledgeable advice. Consolidating this knowledge and experience with the legal and policy expertise contained within the AGD will create a stronger department that is better able to provide high quality, coordinated and strategic legal advice to the Attorney-General, as Australia's first law officer, and in turn to the cabinet and the government as a whole. Consolidation will provide enhanced opportunities for the government's best legal minds—however they might be greeted in public circles!—in the AGS, the AGD and other agencies to work closer together to deliver tailored advice, practical solutions and excellent client focused results. Consolidation will further enhance an already close relationship between the AGS and the Attorney-General's Department while allowing the AGS to maintain its respected name and brand and its independent functional identity. I thank the AGS and the Attorney-General's Department for their constructive and collaborative approach in implementing this consolidation and commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

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