Statutes Amendment Bill (No 5)

I stand to support the Statutes Amendment Bill (No 5), which provides for—as I read in the commentary on the bill—a number of non-controversial amendments to a number of existing Acts. The majority of the statutes that are amended will have only minor changes or drafting amendments made to them, but some statutes included in the main provisions of the bill will have significant amendments made to them. It is pleasing to be able to use this opportunity to address the Committee on a non-controversial issue. I am grateful to the whip for having such an opportunity. I have read Supplementary Order Papers 3 and 4 and the Bills Digest, and I have read the bill. I have no concerns about the changes proposed, from my study of them.

The fact that none of the items is controversial, however, does not mean they are of no significance. I am acutely conscious that the drafting and making of laws, statutes, and regulations are of great significance, particularly to those who have to live by them, live within them, or impose or enforce them. Many would say, and do say, that we already live in an over-regulated society, and that is a view I share.

💬 Shane Jones: Oh!

It is; it is. But from that point of view, I have searched the bill and have come away feeling comfortable that, as far as I can assess, it is a worthy bill that seeks to make sensible provision—for example, to change such things as the Animal Welfare Act, which the previous speaker mentioned, by allowing for an extension of time for the proper investigation of cases.

However, the fact that the bill does not contain controversy nevertheless leaves me with the very clear impression, having been a member since September, that controversy is often used in debate to cover what should be a clear explanation in answer to questions. I have often been surprised at the extent to which that has been carried out, particularly in question time, and I am delighted to be a member of a party that does not engage in such deceptive and desperate techniques.

I support the bill, and I am happy to support the changes it brings to the various Acts that it affects.

Part 2 agreed to.

Part 3 agreed to.

New Part 3AA Child Support Act 1991