Mr. Ronan Lupton:

It is important, if the committee drafts a report or make recommendations on this issue, that it consider both reports in tandem. They are relatively complementary, with several of the LRC recommendations reflecting the work done by the ICGAG. The Senator and I have discussed this topic before at another committee. I would like to see the recommendations being taken as a type of prêt-à-porter or ready-to-wear starting point. Of course, there are structural recommendations within the ICGAG's report which would require the engagement of multiple Departments and a significant budget, something that may not be achievable. I agree with the Senator that we should co-ordinate with other international participants on this issue. If reform is coming centrally through the European legislative reform packages, we should engage with it as fully as we can and see what best practice is elsewhere. It might not be a simple case of cutting and pasting, but there is a certain view on the matter at which we should look. New Zealand and Australia have made inroads in the area.