Senate debates Questions without Notice

Newlands Civil Construction: Senator O'Sullivan


Anthony Chisholm

Anthony Chisholm Queensland, Australian Labor Party

2:38 pm

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Justice, Senator Brandis. I refer to reports that Newlands Civil Construction, a company partly owned by Senator O'Sullivan, has been awarded contracts valued at over $2 million under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements. What is the total value of works Newlands Civil Construction has been contracted to deliver under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements?

George Brandis

George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General

I will take that question on notice.

Stephen Parry

Stephen Parry President

Senator Chisholm, a supplementary question?

Anthony Chisholm

Anthony Chisholm Queensland, Australian Labor Party

2:39 pm

Has the minister or his office requested or received advice as to whether Senator O'Sullivan has received a direct or indirect benefit as a result of any contracts under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements?

George Brandis

George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General

No.

Stephen Parry

Stephen Parry President

Senator Chisholm, a final supplementary question?

Anthony Chisholm

Anthony Chisholm Queensland, Australian Labor Party

Can the minister assure the Senate that all dealings with Senator O'Sullivan's businesses under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements have been appropriately and legitimately entered into?

George Brandis

George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General

I have absolutely no reason to believe otherwise.