Page 4242 - Week 14 - Thursday, 24 October 1991
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members of the Committee would concur in this view. In this connection, and, in order to remove possible areas of dispute, there is an arguable case for the removal of the phrase "a matter relating to" in section 55 of the Act, which section is designed to place reasonable limits on the scope of the Committee's inquiries.
His Honour went on to talk about safeguarding evidence and the nature of the parliamentary committee. I know that my colleague Mr Connolly is listening, and I am aware that he has not had the benefit of full instructions on the matter yet; but the fact is, as plain as day, that you have the head of the NCA supporting this proposal.
The Attorney has indicated to me that his advice is not disposed to assist me with this amendment, but that typifies a somewhat prudent and cautious approach of advice in this area. That may be appropriate when one considers the criminal laws involved. But I think we can sometimes be too prudent and cautious in accepting without too much question advice from our government legal advisers, particularly in the area from which it comes.
I commend this amendment to members. I tell you that you will be the first parliament to do this. You will do it with the cognisance and the support of your Federal colleagues on the hill - at least those of the Liberal and Democrat persuasions - and you will do it with the cognisance and support of the head of the National Crime Authority. I want to stress that there are members in this Assembly, and there will be members in this Assembly next time round, who can be well trusted to be appointed and placed, from all parties and persuasions, on the committee, were it ever necessary to have a select or other committee of this Assembly. There are members in this Assembly who have previously held secrecy clearances on matters of extreme and utmost secrecy. Mrs Grassby laughs. I am sorry; my apologies. I thought I heard that familiar laugh.
Ms Follett: She would have, if she had been here.
MR COLLAERY: I stand corrected, Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker.
Mr Moore: Who was it who laughed?
MR COLLAERY: I do not know who laughed. It must have been another figment of my feverish approach this week. Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker, the amendment would be a good thing for us to pass. I think we need to tidy up this Bill in some other respects, including the replicate of section 55 of the parent Act. I am not entirely impressed with the manner in which this legislation has come forward. I want to say that it came forward while I was Attorney. I am pretty sure that it was drafted when I was Attorney, and I mean no disrespect to the current Attorney; but I think more research should have been done.
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