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

The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) Defence's policy on acceptance of gifts is of general application and is not restricted to tender processes or contract negotiations. However, the policy does state that acceptance of gifts or benefits will not be appropriate from a person or company if they are involved in a tender process with the agency, either for the procurement of goods and services or sale of assets.

(2) See the answer to question 1

(3) Defence's policy deals with the acceptance of gifts and solicitation of gifts. There is no tolerance for the solicitation of gifts. By contrast, gifts may be accepted by officials in certain limited circumstances, but only where it is appropriate and justifiable to do so.