Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

I completely reject that proposition, and I would refer Senator Rice again to what I have previously indicated to the chamber, in my contribution when I explained why the government would oppose this amendment. That is, clause 36H(4), which I have previously read out, very specifically provides:

In appointing a person as a member of the Committee the Drought Minister must ensure that, as far as practicable, there is a balance of gender, knowledge and skills among members of the Committee.

Let me say that this is business as usual. Government ministers and the government make judgements all the time about the composition of boards and committees, with a view to making sure there is an appropriate balance across a range of indicators, including of course an appropriate balance of knowledge and skills.