Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Oops, Mr Chairman, the question has not been asked. Regarding the requirement for the tribunal to advertise that it is seeking submissions, to obtain submissions, to publish those submissions with consent and to hold a public hearing, it does not say how long the hearing has to be. It could be a 30-minute hearing, which would be problematic. But, if it were a one-day hearing in Canberra or a half-day hearing, how on earth does that impinge on the independence of the tribunal? That is what the government is saying, through Senator Feeney's answer.