Senate debates Ministerial Statements


John Hogg

John Hogg Deputy-President

3:40 pm

My advice is that the proposed ministerial statement has not been made in the other place.

Ian Macdonald

Ian Macdonald Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate

by leave—Mr Deputy President, the copy I have from the parliamentary liaison officer, which I do concede says it is under embargo until the statement is made in the House of Representatives, is actually dated 20 March.

John Hogg

John Hogg Deputy-President

It may well be, Senator Macdonald, but I understand it has not been made. Let me see if the parliamentary secretary on duty can enlighten us.

Ursula Stephens

Ursula Stephens NSW, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Prime Minister for Social Inclusion

I understand that the statement has not yet been made in the House of Representatives and therefore it will be tabled here at the first available opportunity after that.

John Hogg

John Hogg Deputy-President

There is your answer, Senator Macdonald.

Ian Macdonald

Ian Macdonald Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate

Thank you, Mr Deputy President. I take the parliamentary secretary’s advice in all good faith. However, it would seem to me that by this time it may well have been made.

John Hogg

John Hogg Deputy-President

The advice is that it has not been made, Senator Macdonald.