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

The government does not support this motion, because it is entirely unnecessary. I should remind honourable senators that the history of the INSLM began with the coalition when a proposal, promoted by the former member for Kooyong, Mr Georgiou, and former Victorian Liberal senator, Senator Troeth, was moved as a private member's bill here and in the other place and defeated by the then Labor government. Eventually, the Labor government came to its senses and agreed with the coalition's proposal to create an office of Independent National Security Legislation Monitor—a position that was confirmed by the government this year. The vacant position is currently under consideration by the government, and I have settled upon two names between whom a choice will shortly be made by the Prime Minister. The motion is entirely moot.

Question agreed to.