Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I support the point Senator Brian Hayes made on the commission on electronic voting. This is a very divisive political issue on which parties have taken positions. It is wrong to place people of unimpeachable integrity, such as the Clerks of both Houses, in the position of having to mediate, adjudicate and pronounce on a highly charged political issue. It was not contemplated when their roles were defined and it is not analogous to the positions they have on the boundaries commission where the issue is clear-cut. As the Government, Opposition parties and various individuals have adopted positions on electronic voting, it is unfair to place the Clerks in this very difficult position. I do not know what level of consultation took place, but that is my independent view of the matter. The appointments will make life very difficult for them.

I remind the House that the Leader gave a commitment to Senator Ross and me several weeks ago that there would be an announcement within the week from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the establishment of the commission on the auctioneering industry and its regulation. That has not happened. I hear regularly from people about their negative experiences of this industry. There are many on the other side of the House who feel as strongly about this as people on this side. The House is being disregarded and treated with contempt and I would like to know why. Is it because the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform does not have any regard for this House? I am aware the Minister has a clear view on it and I ask him to make an announcement immediately.