Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. The government was that forthcoming that, when I asked about this matter in February estimates, the minister refused to answer. So, before the minister gets on his high horse, he might like to go back to his refusal to answer questions on those matters.

Can I ask the minister whether it is right that EFIC’s 2008 annual report states:

Transactions are usually referred to the Minister for consideration on the National Interest Account where the size or risk exceeds EFIC’s commercial parameters ...

For the minister’s information, that is on page 15. Will the minister advise the Senate whether the size and risk of the $200 million loan to GM Holden exceeds EFIC’s commercial parameters, and, if so, did the minister—and, I understand, the cabinet—direct EFIC to put this onto the National Interest Account?