James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The government's position on this issue has not changed. We oppose the motion. The calling into question of a senator's eligibility to sit in this place is a very serious step, and that step should only be taken in cases where there is a clear case to answer. The motion seeks to turn this long-accepted principle on its head, effectively calling into question every senators' position until he or she is able to provide conclusive proof of their citizenship status. That would constitute a wrong-headed reversal of the onus of proof, especially given the undoubted public interest in certainty as to the composition of the parliament. Further, another referral would only add to the existing workloads of Senate committees and, in particular, the committee secretariats.