Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of Senator Johnston, I move:

(1) That the following matter be referred to the Committee of Privileges for inquiry and report: The adequacy and appropriateness of current guidance and advice available to officers giving evidence to Senate committees and when providing information to the Senate and to senators, including:

(a) the adequacy and applicability of government guidelines and instructions;

(b) the procedural and legal protections afforded to those officers;

(c) the awareness among agencies and officers of the extent of the Senate’s power to require the production of information and documents; and

(d) the awareness among agencies and officers of the nature of relevant advice and protections.

(2) That, in undertaking the inquiry, the committee may consider the evidence and records of the Committee of Privileges appointed in the previous parliament on a related matter, referred on 23 June 2010.

Question agreed to.