Senator BRANDIS (Queensland—Attorney-General, Vice-President of the Executive Council and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:11): Mr Tavoularis is a respected Brisbane solicitor. Senator Wong: Answer the question, George. Senator BRANDIS: There is no conflict of interest whatsoever. Mr Tavoularis was an extremely suitable person. The government is grateful to him for being prepared to accept this appointment. Since he has served in that office, he has served in an extremely diligent and admired manner. I spoke as recently as this morning to the president of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. He has no criticism to offer of Mr Tavoularis's performance in the role. Senator Cameron: It is about your behaviour. The PRESIDENT: Senator Cameron! Senator BRANDIS: I might say, Senator Wong: if your concern arises from the fact that it has been reported that Mr Tavoularis donated some years ago some money to the Liberal-National party, I might remind you that political affiliations are never an issue—never an issue—when considering appointment to courts and tribunals, as is evident from the fact that the president of the AAT was himself a former Labor minister. (Time expired)