Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Aged Care) Share this | Hansard source

There are so many good reports that come down that are done by senators from all around this chamber that make a great contribution. I think it is a bit sad sometimes that the Australian community do not actually understand the amount of work that goes into those reports. I am not talking about the senators' contribution necessarily; I am talking about the witnesses who come forward to give that evidence. I am talking about the secretariats. Those who have been in this chamber know—through you, Mr Acting Deputy President; I know that Senator Macdonald has been here a long, long time, much longer than me, but he would understand—that there are an awful lot of reports that unfortunately, when they have been tabled, sit in a bookcase somewhere gathering dust. That is why we on this side of the chamber are very mindful, when we are sending references to committees, of the amount of work that is going to be expected to be done by the secretariat and the parliamentary staff.

But we also have to say how much we appreciate the time that was taken by those people to come forth to give evidence to this committee so that this report was tabled. People have the opportunity to read that, and then they will make up their own minds as to whether they support the recommendations. I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.