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

The Labor Party will not be supporting Democrat amendment (8). It would add a new section 9B, which would provide an exemption for RC material if the purpose of the access is to review or analyse the material for education or scholarly purposes. This matter was raised in the Senate committee, and I understand that the matter is currently before SCAG. The minister might be able to confirm that. We anticipate the outcome will ensure that the process works effectively. The minister may be distracted at this point—though I am sure his advisors are listening—but I wonder if he could respond to a matter I raised during my second reading contribution that there be an undertaking to fix this in some way, shape or form to ensure that it is dealt with. It is not appropriate to deal with it in the way the Democrats have proposed. I do understand why they are proposing it. The mechanism that the government have outlined, we think, can work when it is available. We hope that it is available at the earliest possible time to allow proper research and scholarly and educational work in this area to help fight terrorism.

Question negatived.

Bill agreed to.

Bill reported without amendment; report adopted.