Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I will indicate the opposition's disposition towards the government amendments, taking each in turn. Amendments (1), (2) and (9) relate to more clearly referencing Australia's treaty obligations. That was recommended by the Senate committee, and the opposition have no issue with that. Government amendments (3) and (8) relate to giving a more specific reference on advocacy, which Senator Siewert has also been pursuing, and that also was a recommendation of the Senate committee. I think the form of words the government has alighted on is the appropriate form of words in this area to give appropriate recognition to the central role that advocacy plays in the lives of many people with disability to ensure that they are able to attain their full rights, but it does observe the appropriate demarcation that advocacy be separately funded.

Government amendments (10), (12) and (15) make a little clearer the sorts of professionals that the CEO can seek advice from. With the original drafting there was a concern that it might inadvertently exclude, by not listing, certain professionals. This leaves that more open, which I think is appropriate.

Government amendments (13) and (14) relate to conflicts of interests in relation to service providers. Again, the Senate committee and particularly Senator Boyce had a concern that reference to organisations having appropriate mechanisms to resolve conflicts of interest and to ensure that there are not conflicts of interest should be in the primary legislation. I acknowledge that the government has taken that on board.

Government amendment (16), which relates to the membership of the advisory board, I think is helpful in ensuring that there is appropriate representation. I am particularly pleased that there is the maintenance of having at least two positions for people who represent carers. I just wanted to indicate our disposition towards each of those government amendments.