Senate debates

Tuesday, 8 May 2012

Questions on Notice

Australia Network (Question No. 932)

Photo of David JohnstonDavid Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 18 August 2011:

Did the Minister receive a brief from the department seeking approval of text contained in the request for tender and/or associated documents in relation to Australia Network before their release, if so:

(1)   When was the brief received by the Minister's office.

(2)   When was brief sighted by the Minister.

(3)   What type of ministerial action was requested by the department, and was it agreed to by the Minister.

Photo of Stephen ConroyStephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | | Hansard source

The Minister for Foreign Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

In the period since Senator Johnston submitted Question on Notice 932 on 18 August 2011, the Government terminated the Australia Network tender process and instituted an investigation by the Australian Federal Police due to leaks of confidential information. The Auditor-General has also decided to conduct a performance audit of the administration of the Australia Network tender processes. As the Questions on Notice go to matters being considered by the Australian Federal Police and Australian National Audit Office, it would not be appropriate to comment.