David Norris (Independent)

I would not wish it to be thought that all those who briefed me on this question of independence did so at the very last minute, because that would not be the truth. I was making the point that a number of them just dumped in the information at the very last minute, as is their right. The material they supplied was for use on Second Stage and not on Committee Stage. However, this does not mean I do not hold to the principle that there should be full independence and transparency and I hope this will be accomplished by the Bill.

I certainly share the Minister's opinion on cowboys who set themselves up as architects. It is unacceptable that somebody puts up a plate and describes himself or herself as an architect when they have no qualification whatever. I do not believe that Senator Bannon will delay the House on this matter because his next series of amendments deal with the grandfather principle, whereby people have experience and academic qualifications but for various reasons do not have a degree in architecture. These people are afraid they may be excluded and that would be a real hardship.