Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Regional Development) Share this | Hansard source

The government will be opposing these motions. These orders are written with substantial scope and include ministerial submissions, records of conversation, letters, briefing notes, meeting agendas, file notes, meeting invitations, meeting notes, meeting minutes, emails and instant/electronic messages. The orders also seek all of these documents over a 10-month period. We urge the senator to reconsider her motions, particularly when it comes to the scope and time allowed to comply. The senator should also seriously consider the significant amount of time these fishing expeditions are taking away from the important work of public servants.