Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I don't believe that what is being proposed here, with due respect, is contrary to the law. I think it's worthwhile noting that Treasury does keep lists of people who have the skills and abilities to meet the skills metric in the bill, and of course it's the bill itself that is setting out the criteria for the selection of these people. Anybody who's interested and thinks they have the skills can no doubt make contact with the department and say: 'Have a look at me. I have these qualifications.' As I said, Treasury has a list of people who have the skill sets in the skills metric that is set out in the legislation, and I am very confident that the best possible people—and the most skilled people in the country to build this ambitious new organisation—will it be selected. When you see the final list, you'll have great confidence that the best people in this country have been selected to do that job.