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

It is not really my place to reflect upon the composition of the PJCIS other than to make the point that it comprises, generally, senior and respected members from both sides of politics. When Mr Wilkie was a member of the PJCIS in the last parliament I thought he made a useful and well-informed contribution to its deliberations, for which I thank him. As I said, the genesis of the bill we are debating tonight was the inquiry in which Mr Wilkie was a participant. The report which was the genesis of this bill was a unanimous report. I would be the last person, Senator, to depreciate the value of Independent crossbench members of parliament.