Senator MARK BISHOP (6:26 PM) —In respect of the explanation given by the Manager of Government Business in relation to subclauses 22 (1) and (2) and its proper interpretation that subclause (2) is expressly a disallowable instrument, the opposition acknowledges the comments of the government and thanks them for making that clear.

In respect of the remainder of the amendments to be moved by the Democrats, the opposition was only provided with a copy of them immediately prior to or shortly after question time. We are advised that the Democrats want an exception to the normal operation of the Acts Interpretation Act. We have not had the opportunity to consider properly and thoroughly the utility of that request and that amendment, and we will seek it in the future.

At this stage we are not disposed to support the amendment if the Democrats should proceed. That is an unfortunate position to have because we would be interested to hear argument based on serious merit concerning the amendments proposed by the Australian Democrats. As I said earlier, we have had these amendments for only three to four hours, and we have not had the opportunity to consider them thoroughly. At this stage we are disposed to oppose them.