I ask members to turn off their mobile telephones before we commence the business of the meeting. I welcome all members of the committee and in particular the Senators who have been appointed to the committee. The first item of business this morning is the election of a Vice Chairman of the committee. Do members wish to select a Vice Chairman? If so, we will do it now and I will call for nominations, if that is all right with members.
Election of Vice Chairman
While I have no particular preference on this matter and will be guided by the Chairman, would it be appropriate perhaps to wait until more members are present to make a determination on that? It is just a suggestion and as I have stated, I will be guided by-----
Chairman
We can do that. It is a piece of business we can do and we can decide perhaps to come back to it on another day if the Deputy wishes. We can consult with the members in the meantime.
That is a common-sense suggestion.
Chairman
Very well. I will accept it.
On the day that is in it and as the topic being discussed in the Lower House is relevant to many of the committee members here, it is understandable that we might leave it until more members are present.
Chairman
We can do that. The proposal is accepted.
The joint committee went into private session at 11.10 a.m. Sitting suspended at 11.30 a.m. and resumed in public session at 2.05 p.m.