Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Minister, how can it possibly make sense to take out some clearly worded principles and objectives on the importance of a child having a meaningful relationship with both parents and then to incorporate in its totality, by reference, a UN convention which deals with matters relating to parenting and other matters disconnected from those dealt with in the schedule, and say that that actually simplifies the legislation? One of your objectives is incorporating, by reference, an entire UN convention. How could that possibly be construed as simplifying the principles and objectives clause? I recognise, Minister, that you're not responsible for the drafting of this legislation.