Brett Mason (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Education) Share this | Hansard source

The opposition does not support this amendment and, while I understand the issues of principle raised by Senator Allison, I am nothing if not a political realist. This is the government’s view and certainly issues of accountability and transparency are important. But as the minister has said, the opposition—and indeed parliament more generally—will be monitoring the appointments to this board, as is always the case. The executive is always, in that sense, under the scrutiny of parliament. I can certainly assure Senator Allison that the opposition will continue to monitor those appointments and we will do the best we can in doing that.

Question negatived.

Bill agreed to.

Bill reported without amendment; report adopted.