Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Lambie, it is very much a case of horses for courses. At the very outset of the pandemic, there were circumstances where these types of bills were put through without even the rules available for scrutiny at the time. This one has been able to be dealt with through a more orderly process. We still think it is valuable to be able to consult on the rules and to actually finalise that consultation in a proper and timely manner while having the certainty that the government is delivering on its budget promise of implementing this program and supporting youth employment in this way.

Yes, of course, we hope that over time we can make sure things are done in a normal, orderly way. I do note that it's not historically unusual for framework legislation to exist, particularly for grant type programs, and then rules adapted to circumstances to operate underneath them. But I take your point entirely. I think this is a progression from the earlier stage of the pandemic. It is not that there aren't draft rules for senators to see. There are. So we have made sure that transparency is there. But I understand the point you're making. Where it is possible and appropriate in future programs, I would expect to see detail embodied where it can be.