Page: 6894
Second Reading
Debate resumed from 7 June.
Mr O'DOHERTY (Hornsby) [10.02 a.m.]: I speak on behalf of the New South Wales Opposition in place of my colleague the shadow Attorney General, the honourable member for Gosford, who is currently on duty with his Sydney Organisation Committee for the Olympic Games colleague the Minister for the Olympics welcoming the Olympic torch to Australia. All Australians have been following the event on radio and television this morning. There is great excitement as the Olympic torch arrives at the very heart of our land. The Constitution Amendment Bill was introduced by the Government in another place. It deals with a problem that was drawn to our attention in 1996 in a report by the Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption concerning the need to clarify the meaning of the word "conviction" in relation to members of Parliament holding their seats. I refer honourable members to the speech on behalf of the Opposition given by the shadow Minister in another place. The Opposition will not oppose the bill.
Mr WHELAN (Strathfield—Minister for Police) [10.04 a.m.], in reply: I thank the honourable member for his contribution.
Motion agreed to.
Bill read a second time and passed through remaining stages.