Simon Crean (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Trade and Regional Development) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is again to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Can the minister confirm that a number of handlers regularly left the Eastern Creek quarantine station to have dinner at the nearby Lone Pine Tavern—

Government Members:

Government members interjecting—

Simon Crean (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Trade and Regional Development) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thought the Prime Minister was talking about this being a laughing matter on this side, Mr Speaker. The cacklers over there should listen to this. This is serious business. Can the minister confirm that a number of handlers regularly left the quarantine station to have dinner at the nearby Lone Pine Tavern without removing their gear or showering upon departure? Can the minister confirm that these basic quarantine requirements were not introduced until just 10 days ago, after the Australian horse population had been afflicted with equine influenza? Whilst I am at it, will the minister undertake to come back to the House today in relation to my previous question?

Peter McGauran (Gippsland, National Party, Deputy Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for his question. At 9 am, I introduced a bill into the House to give Judge Callinan powers akin to a royal commission: powers to subpoena documents and witnesses and to hold public hearings. Those issues surrounding the past and current operations of the quarantine system as it applies to the importation of horses, including the facility at Eastern Creek, fall within the province of his inquiry. It is not for me to either condone or exonerate any aspect of the quarantine system or the handling of the equine influenza outbreak. We should let Judge Callinan conduct his inquiry without commentary from the sidelines that may hinder or prejudice any aspect of his hearing and his final recommendations. In regard to coming back with information in answer to your earlier question: I will provide information in due course.

John Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.