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

I want to put on record the Democrats’ support for this amendment. I was remiss in my contribution on the second reading in not acknowledging the contribution and work of the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs on this legislation. Whilst I added in some additional comments of my own to their report, I thought their report did a reasonably good job in the time available. The recommendation which this amendment goes to was a good one. The government’s amendment, whilst it might look fairly minor, does at least limit the circumstances in which an individual’s personal information is used to situations directly related to an emergency. It is a fairly important word being added, in that the permitted purpose for the use of these new provisions is a purpose that ‘directly’ relates to the Commonwealth’s response to an emergency or disaster in respect of which an emergency declaration is in force. That goes some way to at least limiting the potential for abuse. It is an example, yet again, of the importance of the Senate committee process and another opportunity to make the point about how harmful it is to the democratic and legislative process when the ability of Senate committees to do their job properly is constrained.

Question agreed to.

I seek leave to move Democrat amendments (1), (2) and (3) on sheet 5095 together.