At the request of Senator Bishop, I move:

That the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit be authorised to hold private meetings otherwise than in accordance with standing order 33(1) during the sittings of the Senate as follows:

  (a)   on Wednesday, 10 October 2012, from 11 am, followed by a private briefing; and

  (b)   on Wednesday, 31 October 2012, from 11 am, followed by a private briefing.

Question agreed to.

At the request of Senator Bishop, I move:

That the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on Wednesday, 10 October 2012, from noon, to take evidence for the committee's inquiry into the review of Auditor-General's reports.

Question agreed to.