I oppose this bill.
While I recognise the good intentions behind such legislation, the fact is we've a terrible habit in this country of attempting to solve problems by creating offices. Look no further than the ludicrous position of the National Archivist, where the current incumbent is being impeached for gross inactivity - who'd have seen that coming?
All too often we think of inactivity as a moral failing - it's not. It's a rational response to incentives. It may well be that we get lucky and end up with an active Debate Moderator. Far more likely we end up with an entirely inactive office because no one has any real incentive to do this job.
This would be an expansion of the government for very little reward.
I agree that more debates is, in general, a good thing - but I don't see why this couldn't be left to the private sector. I'd encourage the various independent news organisations to get together and form a debate commission. That would be healthy. A formal government role? I'm not convinced.
Am I to interpret this as an objection to the amendment as well?
Yes - if this bill does pass I'd prefer that at the very least we don't create another office.
