Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

With due respect to Senator Nettle, I really worry about this in the sense that it is not sensible to oppose these schedules. These are improvements. The committee did not make any recommendations about these schedules. These schedules were picking up things that needed to be done as general improvements. If this is a general rail against the telecommunications interception, I can understand that, Senator Nettle. But, in this instance, in terms of what the schedules actually do, if you go to the committee’s report it might be helpful. If you want to look at the effect of the schedules you are seeking to take out, going to the background chapters is probably the best way. Schedule 5 is a transfer of functions. Schedule 6 contains provisions which are largely consequential and provide for specific state application where necessary. Obviously I am not going to support your motion relating to the transfer of functions which provides for a change of arrangements concerning the telecommunications interception remote authority connection in a sensible way. I will not say any more about that. They are sensible amendments, and we oppose the Greens position.