Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—Mr President, at the recent additional estimates hearing of the Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee you advised that there was a change to the longstanding practice of the Prime Minister agreeing to the President's overseas travel proposals. You indicated that, unlike your predecessors and unlike ministers, you now have the authority to approve your own overseas travel, together with travel arrangements for your spouse and staff. In response to questioning, you indicated that you were prepared to have 'a detailed discussion' with senators about arrangements for approving and overseeing your travel arrangements. Could you please outline to the chamber the approval and oversight arrangements you propose. Can you also confirm that you will not undertake overseas travel until such arrangements have been agreed by the Senate.