Senate debates

Wednesday, 26 March 2014

Bills

Export Market Development Grants Amendment Bill 2014; In Committee

11:08 am

Photo of Nick XenophonNick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I have a number of questions further to Senator Birmingham's contribution. I am grateful for his outlining of the position of both the government and the department. Of course I want there to be the highest standards of probity when we deal with these grants; it is taxpayers' money that is at stake. But I am concerned that there are insufficient safeguards in place in relation to what is proposed for the fit and proper person test and that it could be subject to abuse. I want to get a handle on the existing fit and proper person test that applies to applicants for grants. How many fit and proper person determinations have there been since it has been in place?

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