House debates Questions without Notice
Oil for Food Program
Kim Beazley Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
2:29 pm
My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade. I refer to his statement yesterday that the US Defense report was addressed by the Wheat Export Authority in 2004. Is he aware of evidence to the Senate estimates committee this morning that neither the Chief Executive Officer nor the chair of the WEA saw a copy of that report? How could the WEA address the issues raised in that report if it had never been sent it?
Mark Vaile Lyne, National Party, Minister for Trade
Just so the Leader of the Opposition is aware, the WEA report that he has been asking questions about is a confidential report to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and legislation precludes its public release. The Leader of the Opposition has been offered the opportunity to have a look at this.
Kim Beazley Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
Mr Speaker, I raise a point of order on relevance. The report I am referring to is the US Defense report that was tabled here today. It was addressed by the Wheat Export Authority—that is what he said—
David Hawker Speaker
The Leader of the Opposition will resume his seat. The minister has only just begun his answer.
Mark Vaile Lyne, National Party, Minister for Trade
No, it is not. If the Leader of the Opposition waits and listens, he will find out. The WEA report that is referred to in the Leader of the Opposition’s question is a confidential report to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and legislation precludes its public release. Last week, it was offered to the Leader of the Opposition to have a look at that report. In that report, he will find reference to the other report that he has mentioned in his question.
Kim Beazley Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
Mr Beazley interjecting
Mark Vaile Lyne, National Party, Minister for Trade
But you have been offered the opportunity to have a look at a confidential document.