Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I join with Senator Abetz in arguing this case. As you recall, Senator Abetz, when Senator Brown raised concerns about the funding of the Exclusive Brethren we argued very strenuously then that the appropriate authority to investigate any concerns was the Australian Electoral Commission. That is what should occur. In terms of allegations of criminal conduct, those concerns should be directed to either the Australian Federal Police or the appropriate state police service. All senators are well aware that those are the appropriate avenues to take when dealing with serious allegations. So in answer to the senator’s question, the answer is no. We are suggesting that any concerns be raised directly with the AEC or the relevant state electoral authority and that any suggestions of criminal conduct should be directed to the Australian Federal Police or the appropriate state police service.