Senator ELLISON (Minister for Justice and Customs) (6:39 PM) —I think Mr Tom Sherman covered this aspect in a report several years ago. The government considered it then and decided not to proceed with it. As I understand it, the agencies concerned have indicated that there is an administrative burden in this which far outweighs any benefit that might be provided by possible enhanced accountability, and it is the government’s view that the amendment proposed would do little to enhance accountability in practical terms. For that reason, the government does not support opposition amendment (4).

Question negatived.