Natasha Stott Despoja (SA, Australian Democrats) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is addressed to the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Ageing. Why has the government commissioned a legislative consultant to prepare a report on scientific advances in technology involving embryonic stem cells when the Lockhart legislation review committee has already conducted a study of this kind—its literature review? I also ask the minister if the government supports any of the recommendations contained in the Lockhart reviews.

Santo Santoro (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for Ageing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government is never afraid of seeking additional opinion, particularly in an area that is as specialised as the areas of policy development and implementation that Lockhart considered. The government is still considering its response to Lockhart and will make it available at some time in the near future.

Natasha Stott Despoja (SA, Australian Democrats) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I ask the minister to specify for the Senate exactly what ‘the near future’ means. The Lockhart website has stated that the Australian parliament will consider the findings of the reviews in consultation with the state and territory governments. When will the federal parliament get to review any of the recommendations or any legislative form of the Lockhart reviews; will our government consult with the states and territories when it comes to considering the findings of that review; and can we get a better time line, please?

Santo Santoro (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for Ageing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The senator will of course be aware that the federal government is obliged to consult with the states on matters relating to the Lockhart report. That undertaking still exists. As I mentioned in my substantive answer, the government is in the process of considering a timetable and time lines, which it will make available soon.