Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Just to indicate the opposition's position, we will not be supporting this amendment. This bill, as I outlined in my speech in the second reading debate, has gone through a very extensive consultation process and this is the time frame that has been identified as part of that process. I think it is difficult for senators to determine what is reasonably practicable for some of these entities simply by having a discussion on the Senate floor. I share some of the concerns of Senator Griff and Senator Ludlam regarding expeditious notification. I would note that there were changes to this section, 26WH, as a result of the consultations, so our view is that it would be best at the moment to proceed with the time frame that was the subject of lengthy consultation.

I would add, though, that there are processes in this parliament—estimates committees, the annual report of the Privacy Commissioner—which would enable the Senate to consider, in the future, whether or not the 30-day time frame has proved to be an appropriate one in light of some of the concerns which have been raised.