Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Senators might wish to refer to the Notice Paperto ascertain what it was you just voted no to. I am seeking the minister's guidance on exactly why the government has opposed this motion, because it simply asks—yes or no—whether these systems are deployed anywhere in Australia. It does not make any accusations. We do not even have a clear idea of exactly what this pattern recognition surveillance network does. But I am seeking to ascertain whether or not it is used by any Commonwealth agency. I would invite the minister, if she would care to inform the Senate, so we do not have to use other mechanisms—although, of course, we will if we have to—as to exactly why the government is voting against a fairly straightforward motion that notes that the system exists, that it is deployed overseas to attract people as a private surveillance network and to inform the chamber whether or not it is used here in Australia. I would have thought that was a fairly straightforward request.