Alex White (Labour)

I agree with the previous speakers. While I am an optimist by nature, for the past two or two and a half years many Senators have called for this type of a quality debate but no steps have been taken in that direction. I am afraid I am rapidly becoming a pessimist in relation to the attitude taken towards this Chamber by the Government. This is unfortunate because I would much prefer to remain an optimist. We should make suggestions and by all means subject the views of the Government parties and of the Opposition parties to real scrutiny, analysis and cross-examination. Let us have this type of exchange and debate, including engagement with outside groups and individuals in so far as that can be arranged under Standing Orders.

It appears, having viewed the approach taken by the Government parties to the possibilities that could be inherent in the contributions of Senators O'Toole and Fitzgerald, that a decision has been made not to introduce any kind of radical change to the manner in which this House does its business. Unfortunately, I believe this decision has been taken somewhere and we have to deal-----