Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Carr for that question. As Senator Carr would be aware, the white paper on the reform of the Australian Federation is a longstanding process that commenced a couple of years ago. At the leaders retreat that was held last July, a number of discussions were held around potential clarification of responsibilities. Following that, in good faith, the Commonwealth and the states—governments of both persuasions—undertook work around potential changes to various constitutional and responsibility arrangements. Following that, papers were prepared by officials and circulated, as in the normal course of events. Those discussions will continue at the coming COAG meeting, which I understand is going to be in April.