Senator HARRADINE (10:17 AM) —When considering this very important question, it is important for the parliament to ensure that, as far as possible, the will of the people is upheld. I make the observation that the committee established under this schedule is an appointed committee; it is not an elected committee. The Prime Minister of Australia is elected. The question is who is to be made responsible for the appointment of the President.

Under this provision, the Prime Minister can put forward a name to the parliament, but the motion requires seconding by the Leader of the Opposition and affirming by a two-thirds majority. For the Prime Minister and, ipso facto, the Leader of the Opposition to be required to accept the person nominated by an unelected committee—he will normally do this, obviously—then it really places the ultimate decision in the hands of an unelected committee. I do not think that is in the interests of democracy.

If they make a mistake they will not have to bear any burden because they are, after all, only appointed. But, my goodness, if the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition make the mistake then they are politically accountable. They are elected and they are the ones who should bear the brunt if anything goes wrong. I offer those views on these amendments.