Jan McLucas (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Aged Care, Disabilities and Carers) Share this | Hansard source

Labor will be supporting the Democrats amendment. I concur with Senator Allison’s point: what is wrong with this amendment? What is the government’s cause for concern that would stop it from supporting such a really straightforward and practical amendment that confirms that people will be appointed on merit and that the appropriate probity and processes are adhered to? In saying so, this amendment in no way reflects on the new chair of the NHMRC or, in fact, on any previous chair or interim chair of the NHMRC. This is a good practice that I think should be adopted and I commend the amendment.