George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, Senator Ludlam, I am delighted to, though I might point out to you, as my colleague the Minister for Communications, Mr Turnbull, observed, this is a term that does not have a precise definition. It is a description rather than a definition. The essential concept, Senator Ludlam, as I am sure you are aware, is that metadata is information about a communication, not the content or substance of the communication. That is the core concept. The specific definition, which will be a statutory definition, the technical specifications will be included in the legislation. And you, Senator Ludlam, will be able to turn your mind to it when the bill is presented to the parliament.