Senator LUDWIG (Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) (12:58 PM) —Labor supports the second reading amendment to the Family Law Amendment (Child Protection Convention) Bill 2002, moved by the Australian Democrats. Perhaps I can add that the bill highlights the complexities that arise in national disputes involving children, yet equal complexities do arise in laws and regulations affecting children between states in Australia. We do sometimes lose sight of the fact that, as governments, we should be trying to make sure that the best interests of children are put first when determining how to resolve these complexities. It does require a lot of hard work and cooperation between states and the Commonwealth, which is sometimes difficult to obtain. The detailed work that went on in the preparation and review of this bill is a sign that it can be done in the area of children and youth. Labor has highlighted areas where more work needs to be done to protect our children's interests, in particular the need for a children's commissioner, which we believe will further the best interests and protection of children nationally.

As an independent statutory office, a children's commissioner would be able to consider the best interests of children and advocate, both to the government and to the public, measures to advance the interests of children in society. Details of the proposal were announced by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Simon Crean, in May on the occasion of this bill. I commend Labor's proposal to the Senate in relation to a children's commissioner and support the second reading amendment moved by the Australian Democrats.