Senate debates Questions without Notice
Deputy Leader of the Nationals
Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
2:10 pm
My question is to the Minister for Regional Development, Senator Nash. The minister was asked multiple times yesterday whether she had sought advice about varying ministerial decision-making processes in order to avoid the risk of challenge while her eligibility as a senator is being resolved by the High Court. The minister eventually told the Senate, 'Advice had been sought.' I ask: who sought the advice, and when and from whom was the advice received?
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
I regularly receive advice on the execution and delivery of my portfolio duties, but governments do not disclose the detail of advice. Those opposite would know that very well. It was the situation when they were in government, and it continues to be the case. The advice I have received has been very solid. I'm very confident in the decisions that I have made, and I'm very confident that they are appropriate and well considered.
Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
2:11 pm
Consistent with precedent, I specifically asked questions about process rather than content. So I ask again: who sought the advice, and when and from whom was the advice received? How have decision-making processes been varied as a result of that advice?
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
The senator is asking me about advice that has been provided, and I refer her to my previous answer.
Stephen Parry President
Senator Collins, a final supplementary question.
Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
2:12 pm
I'll make this point in the supplementary question itself, which is: given that the minister has discretion over $1.7 billion of taxpayers' money, can the minister guarantee to the Senate that any decisions made while her eligibility is in question are beyond challenge?
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
Yes, I'm entirely confident in the decisions that I have made as minister as being well considered and appropriate. The senator opposite asked about the funding that we're providing, much of which is for grants—
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Direct relevance—the question was whether or not the decisions are beyond challenge. I would ask her to respond.
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
Thank you, Mr President. I do believe I answered that question. The funding referred to goes to grants programs which go right across our regional communities. Indeed, I was very recently with the member for Whitlam, down at the wonderful Labor seat of Whitlam, announcing $10 million for a road, which was very well received by Stephen Jones, the member for Whitlam. This is appropriate decision-making by a minister, and I will continue to do so.