Natasha Stott Despoja (SA, Australian Democrats) Share this | Hansard source

In the short time remaining, I will begin to address some of the concerns and comments of the Australian Democrats in relation to the Telecommunications (Interception) Amendment Bill 2006. Senator Ludwig has outlined, in many respects, the intent and content of the schedules of this legislation, which we agree is intended as an amendment to the Telecommunications (Interception) Act 1979. It is intended to implement some of the recommendations of the Report of the review of the regulation of access to communications, better known as the Blunn report. It is intended as a necessary update of the Telecommunications (Interception) Act, but it does have some alarming consequences, particularly in relation to privacy rights of Australian citizens. That is something that I will go into in more detail when I address some of the aspects of this legislation.

In the time remaining, however, I want to reinforce some of the comments that Senator Ludwig has made in relation to the process. The process tonight is not good enough. There was a truncated Senate committee process for this complex and significant legislation. Committee members were able to be a part of that process, but there was a shortened time for inquiry and report and we had witnesses that were very up front about the fact that they could have done with more time. In some cases—equipment based warrants et cetera—some of the complexities of those debates could have been covered more satisfactorily with extra time.

As for today, I understand the government has pulled off a bill—for a variety of reasons, but particularly because of the absence of a senator—but this is a piece of legislation on which the committee inquiry has only just reported, as Senator Ludwig has stated. The report came down yesterday. I acknowledge the government amendments have been circulated. I have to say, Mr Acting Deputy President Ferguson, that that is because you have more access to resources than some of us may have in preparing our amendments. I think it was about 9.56 am that the government amendments were circulated—so on the day of this debate. Senator Ludwig and I have not had an opportunity to circulate our amendments, because our amendments are still—