House debates Questions without Notice

Special Minister of State

Thursday, 26 November 2015 House of Representatives

Mark Dreyfus

Mark Dreyfus Isaacs, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Attorney General

2:34 pm

My question is again to the Special Minister of State. I refer to the minister's responsibility for the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act. As a matter of government policy, what action does the minister take when a staff member employed under that act provides documents held on a computer in a member of parliament's office to a person who is not authorised to access those documents?

Tony Smith

Tony Smith Speaker

Just before I call the Special Minister of State, I remind members on my left that I need to hear the question, which I have heard. I need to hear the answer, given that the questions are referring to previous answers. If there is a wall of interjections, I will deal with it. The minister has the call.

Mr Mitchell interjecting—

The member for McEwen is warned! The minister has the call.

Mal Brough

Mal Brough Fisher, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State

2:35 pm

If I am to understand the member's question, the answer I would provide is that you would seek advice from the department against the specific issues that are raised and deal with it appropriately.