Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

On behalf of the Labour Party, I commend the Minister of State and his officials for their work on this legislation. I have not been present for all debates on the Bill as it went through the House. My colleague Senator Tuffy was dealing with the matter but I have been urging her to rest because she is expecting a baby in August. The point that Senator Cox has raised is extremely interesting because it relates only to female political representatives. Pregnancy is not an illness, however. It is not like being in hospital for months on end with a broken leg or other ailments. Senator Cox's point should be explored further and we should examine what we can do about it. It is an important matter for democracy generally and, in particular, for the participation of women in our democracy as public representatives.