Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I agree with my fellow Senators that two months comprise a very short period. Four months would meet the Minister's intentions. I join Senator Henry in questioning how we will know the courts will interpret the provision in the same way as the Minister. We can only go on what is in the Bill and I am assuming the courts will do the same. While the Minister's intention is in the spirit of the legislation, as alluded to in his remarks, I share Senator Henry's concern. In the interest of fairness, a period of four months, or even a compromise period of three months, would represent a better way forward.