Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I first seek leave to make a short statement and I foreshadow that I will then be seeking leave to move the motion that Senator Brandis has foreshadowed.

Leave granted.

In relation to Senator Brandis's contribution, it is the case that the opposition, and I think many senators, believe it is appropriate for the Attorney-General to make a statement in this chamber responding to some allegations which have been made in the West Australian and in other places. I note to date he has not provided any public response. We are of the view that that is required. I note he has agreed to attend the chamber at noon to do so. By way of explanation to the chamber, we believe the motion is required to set up the architecture to ensure that occurs. Obviously we will be in the middle of debate, probably on the ABCC or other legislation, at that time—there will be a motion before the chair—and we would like to ensure that the Senate does what we believe it should do, which is to require an explanation from the minister concerned.