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

There is always a time when an Independent National Security Legislation Monitor is needed. Even more importantly though, it is important that the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor be heeded. Unfortunately, when the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor was eventually appointed by the previous government, none of his reports was responded to in a timely fashion. In fact, when the government changed 14 months ago, we inherited most of the reports of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor which had not even been responded to by the previous government and they have been responded to by this government. Senator Wright, you or one of your colleagues asked me about this recently, and I said that the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor would be appointed soon. I think I can tell you, Senator Wright, that I have written to the Prime Minister—who ultimately makes the appointment—recommending some names, with one preferred name of someone who, I think, would satisfy you as a man of very, very great eminence and suitability. I expect that that announcement will be made any day now.