Mr CIOBO (4:28 PM) —I speak in continuation on the Surveillance Devices Bill 2004. I made the majority of my remarks on this bill prior to question time and simply seek now to summarise. In short, the Surveillance Devices Bill is an important bill before the chamber. I am pleased that it has Labor Party support, and I am pleased that, through Senate processes, there will in fact be further consultation in relation to it with law enforcement agencies, civil liberty groups and the like.

As I stated at the outset of this particular debate, the reality is that this bill ensures that we can correct and make better the regulatory framework applying to the use of surveillance devices by pushing to one side the piecemeal approach that previously existed as a consequence of the various state and territory laws dealing with surveillance devices. This bill encapsulates a uniform approach to dealing with surveillance devices, insofar as it pertains to surveillance devices and matters involving criminals that have a federal jurisdiction.

As I said earlier, I would dearly like to see the member for Cunningham support this bill. It has the support of the Labor Party and the coalition. I would like to think that a bill such as this had the support of the Greens. It does ensure that there are adequate checks and balances put in place in those scenarios where perhaps eyebrows would be raised—for example, scenarios dealing with the urgent retrieval of children, evidence that was going to be disposed of or if the subject became aware that they were under surveillance. This bill ensures that adequate safeguards are in place.

I know that I can look parents et cetera on the Gold Coast in the eye and say to them that this bill does not overstep the mark. This bill does ensure that there are adequate safeguards in place. This is a good bill for empowering law enforcement agencies to undertake the kind of work that they need to do. It provides a national uniform approach when it deals with federal issues. I commend the bill to the House and I am grateful for both sides' support.