Senator BOLKUS(11.16 a.m.) —On behalf of the opposition I would like to place on record that we do not support the sunset clause. We were supportive of the concept of an external accountability mechanism; but we understand why Senator Spindler has not proceeded with that.

The concept of a sunset clause in this legislation is one that is quite inappropriate for the sorts of operations we are talking about and for the time over which those operations may operate. By putting a sunset clause in you could jeopardise the act of operations. So, as an alternative to that, given the 12 months of operation, we obviously will be using the mechanisms of the parliament to assess how the operation of this act has been implemented—mechanisms either in here or through the committee process.

Senator Spindler, we do share your concern. That concern was driving both of us in terms of the external accountability mechanism. But, failing your amendment, this is not the appropriate way to go. We will resort to the mechanisms of this parliament to maybe check how the process is continuing. If it is not going as well as we would have hoped, then we can look at other options that the parliament has.