David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice and Customs) Share this | Hansard source

I can say that, in terms of standards, given the recent history, particularly in some states—namely my own, unfortunately—I can say that governance and standards are low. We have observed various events which cause considerable consternation in Western Australia. The doctoring of reports by that state parliament to suit commercial interests is of great concern. Could I reassure the senator by saying that the Commonwealth has a very extensive and very successful matrix of rules and particular laws, and of course the Australian Federal Police has very heavy oversight of these matters. On a Commonwealth basis, I would have no hesitation in saying that it is not a matter of standards and governance. I could not say the same for the states. (Time expired)