Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Strictly speaking, that is actually a question for my good friend and colleague Senator Canavan, who is responsible for royalty arrangements through the resources portfolio. But let me just respond on behalf of the government, in an abundance of helpfulness, as always and as ever, for Senator Whish-Wilson.

The government has welcomed the Australian National Audit Office report. We have accepted all the recommendations. I see Senator Canavan nodding. Of course, we are swiftly implementing all of those recommendations. Indeed, over the last financial year I believe that the department and the Audit Office have worked together to assess how collections in relation to royalty streams have been conducted and all of the royalty revenue has absolutely and fully been received in accordance with the law. Now, obviously, the government is always happy and keen to take on board any suggestions on how arrangements can be improved.