Senate debates Documents
Australian Statistician; Order for the Production of Documents
Nick Xenophon SA, Independent
3:36 pm
I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 24 standing in my name for today concerning an order for the production of documents by the Australian Statistician, before asking that it be taken as formal.
Leave granted.
I move the motion, as amended:
That—
(a) the Senate notes that:
(i) on 3 August 2016, the Australian Statistician was interviewed on the ABC television program 7.30 in relation to the 2016 Census, and
(ii) during the interview the Australian Statistician referred to legal advice received from the Australian Government Solicitor; and
(b) there be laid on the table no later than 3 pm on Wednesday, 14 September 2016 by the Minister representing the Minister for Small Business, the legal advice referred to by the Australian Statistician during his appearance on 7.30 on 3 August 2016.
James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister
3:37 pm
I seek leave to make a short statement.
James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister
The longstanding practice of successive governments has been not to disclose privileged legal advice.
Stephen Parry President
The question is that the motion, as amended, moved by Senator Xenophon be agreed to.