Mr. Mark Kelly:

Professor Mullally captured the situation well. We have discussed this issue. Those of us who come from a civil society background are crystal clear about the fact that we serve on the commission in our independent capacities rather than as representatives of particular constituencies or organisations. The complexion of the new commission is different from its predecessor bodies, in that the extent to which it includes people who have a civil society background is much greater. This is a welcome development.

From Ms O'Farrell's comments, it is clear that the new commission regards civil society as an important stakeholder in our future work. We will be independent of the Government and prepared to engage with civil society while recognising it as a stakeholder.