Senator LUDWIG (Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (3:58 PM) —I seek leave to make a short statement.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —Leave is granted for two minutes.

Senator LUDWIG —I thank the Senate. The government recognises the importance of donor conceived persons accessing information about their genetic heritage. The government has asked the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General to develop a discussion paper on a national model for registration of donors in consultation with health and community service ministers. The regulation of artificial conception procedures and access to information about donors is a matter for the states and territories, and the government remains committed to working with the states and territories on this matter. The government does not consider that this issue directly engages any of the rights set out under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Question negatived.