Lyn Allison (Victoria, Australian Democrats) Share this | Hansard source

I would be obliged if the minister could flesh that out a little further for senators. Can he explain why an appointment based on merit would undermine the capacity to deal with the skills shortage? Can he explain why an appointment based on probity or independent scrutiny of appointments—very strong words, Senator Carr—might be counterproductive and undermine and have serious consequences? That is gilding the lily, at the very least, but I think we are entitled to hear your arguments as to why you think this to be the case.