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

The purpose of the Civil Law and Justice (Omnibus Amendments) Bill 2015 is to make minor technical amendments to civil justice legislation in order to improve its operation and clarity. The bill is essentially uncontroversial. I thank Senator McLucas for her contribution. I thank and acknowledge Senator McKim for his contribution as well. Senator McKim, what you have to say about access to justice is something that resonates very strongly with me and with the government. If only the resources were available in the budget; I wish they were.

The bill further supports the amalgamation of four key Commonwealth merits review tribunals by amending the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act to assist the operation of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The amendments to the Bankruptcy Act will reduce red tape, streamline certain review applications and clarify confidentiality requirements. Amendments to the Evidence Act will provide conformity with national uniform legislation. Amendments to the Federal Circuit Court of Australia Act, on which Senator McKim touched, will clarify the powers that an authorised arrestor may use to execute an arrest warrant.

Amendments to the Federal Court of Australia Act will streamline the jury empanelment process, enhance the pre-trial process for indictable offences and improve the accuracy of the act. Amendments to the International Arbitration Act will simplify provisions for the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards, improve compliance with the New Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards and apply confidentiality provisions to arbitral proceedings on an opt-out rather than an opt-in basis.

In conclusion, the bill will—as I said—make minor and technical amendments which will improve the efficiency and operation of the civil justice system and provide individuals with greater access to justice. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.