Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

Today, the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Cities has provided the Senate documents in scope of the order of production No. 27. I'm not sure why, but I have been asked to table those as well. I think they have been provided, but I am happy to table them.

I note for the Senate's awareness that these documents were received by the minister only a few days ago following a careful review by the Treasury of its systems for documents that may be in scope. A number of documents identified as being in the scope of the order with respect to both programs were developed as part of the deliberative processes and decisions of cabinet. The minister has made a public interest immunity claim over the release of these additional documents, as they would have the effect of publicly disclosing the deliberations of cabinet. These documents are informing the work of the government, and, until certain decisions are taken, the documents must remain confidential. Additionally, the nature of the 100,000 home programs in particular and the work required with states and territories mean releasing other documents captured in the order would have the potential to cause prejudice for future consultation and harm relationships with states and territories.

It may assist the Senate and Senator Bragg to know that orders for the production of documents regarding housing are best directed to the Minister representing the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Cities, rather than the Minister representing the Treasurer.