Andrew Bartlett (Queensland, Australian Democrats) Share this | Hansard source

It would be an inside bet, and we cannot have that. Even if I did get re-elected, I do not think I would go for another shot and be back here in 10 years time. It is an incredibly long period of time in a political context and in a legislative context. I do not know if it is a record for a sunset clause, but I think it probably is. I do not know if anyone has mentioned that. I could not think of many other examples where there has been a sunset clause of more than 10 years. Why would you bother? That is another fairly damning indictment of this—that is, to have what is probably the longest sunset clause ever on a piece of legislation that is probably one of the most serious ever in the restrictions it places on the freedoms of Australians. It is a very poor match in terms of historically draconian legislation and a historically long sunset clause. It is a poor situation. I urge once again that at least one coalition senator, if not more, recognise that situation and support the amendment.